Historian, author, editor, educator Remy Benoit's ongoing weblog for Veterans, writers, students, others who believe in learning from and making history. Thousands of articles and posts and a free writing seminar, Using History for Healing and Writing.
—"The best works by living writers on the heart of New Orleans." Miz' Remy is the author of Annie.
From the AP at MSNBC 6 years later, U.S. expands Afghan base Bagram growing after first being envisioned as a temporary home.
Our Covenant. Remy Benoit
He walked the city streets at night all through the late forties. A car backfired, and he hit the ground. It is in the eyes; in the eyes where they have been, what they have seen —Oh, you’re back.
Dau Tieng. Michael Pectol
Getting Out of the Jungle. Harry Kieninger
Harry Kieninger, author of "When Can We Come Home: Understanding the Viet Nam Vet," served for six months as a combat medic at Cu Chi. He offers his advice and experience about how to come home.
Touching Creation. Remy Benoit
Commentary on Absolution. Michael Pectol
Where Did I Go?. Marla
Have you had many days where you felt like you Shattering? Here is one reader's advice a journey to a new self.
Peace Is a Can Do Thing. Remy Benoit
The natural extension of " Life, Liberty, and Happiness," is Peace for the planet. Realities begin with visions; take form with words; take on life with actions. "If not now, when; if not by me, by whom?"
Reflections on the Attack at the World Trade Center. John94
I have shared this country's, the world's numbness for the passed twenty-four hours.
Hearts Touching, Hands Holding. Remy Benoit
We came to a new place as a nation, as individuals, two weeks ago today.
Dear Friends and Fellow Americans. Dr. Tony Kern, Lt. Col, USAF (Ret)
Like everyone else in this great country, I am reeling from last week's attack on our sovereignty. But unlike some, I am not reeling from surprise.
The Knowledge War. Dr. Mark H. Shapiro
Knowledge and information are the keys in the war against terrorism. (Reprinted with permission from IrascibleProfessor.com)
Living with Chronic Pain. Cynthia Perkins
Pain is an inevitable part of life.
Coping with the Loss and Grief Associated with Chronic Illness. Cynthia Perkins
Living with a chronic illness has a profound impact on one's life and creates a lot of grief in response to the losses it imposes on our lives.
Open Heart Surgery. Remy Benoit
Suppose you had the opportunity to give a speech to the United Nations. What would you say?
Shared Anxiety. John94
20 Insights Into the Secret of Letting Go. Guy Finley
The secret of letting go not only hold the keys for ending what is unwanted, but locked within this same supreme secret is the beginning of a new life - the birth of a new nature that never has to hold on to anything because it already is everything. Let the following special insights speed you on your way.
Opening of the D-Day Museum. Remy Benoit
War has been defined as many things; among them a "breakdown in diplomacy" and "hell." It is both of those, but it is so very, very much more.
Stories, Personal Expressions, and History Lessons. Remy Benoit
Eyewitness accounts can be very valuable sources of historic events. Like the one below, they can be extremely poignant sharings of events that altered lives. In the case of this story, the event recalled was one that changed history.
The Niquahanam Project: Help to Heal the World. Remy Benoit
A special project in connection with Using History for Healing and Writing.
Three New Choices That Dismiss Dark Conditions. Guy Finley
The only thing most of us know to do when life takes an unwanted turn, bringing us what we don't want, is to take a turn for the negative ourselves. And when the circumstance in question really makes a wreck of things, not only do we summarily reject the event seen "at cause," but for good measure we often will turn our wrath upon our own lives, pronouncing them "not worth living!"
The U.S. Military Academy. Courtesy U.S. Military Academy
The mission of the U.S. Military Academy is to educate, train, and inspire the Corps of Cadets so that each graduate is a commissioned leader of character committed to the values of Duty, Honor, Country; professional growth throughout a career as an officer in the United States Army; and a lifetime of selfless service to the Nation.
A Brief History of West Point. Courtesy U.S. Military Academy
West Point's role in our nation's history dates back to the Revolutionary War, when both sides realized the strategic importance of the commanding plateau on the west bank of the Hudson River. General George Washington considered West Point to be the most important strategic position in America.
Cancel Self-Wrecking Resentments. Guy Finley
What's a dark inner dialogue? Just what it sounds like: A negative tug-of-war in the unseen recesses of your mind where you're the only one pulling on both ends of the rope. Still more to the point, being in a dark inner dialogue is finding yourself losing a heated argument when there's no one else in the room with you!
Ode to America. Cornel Nistorescu
Our thanks to Evenimentul Zilei and Cornel Nistorescu, editor, for sharing his beautiful "Ode to America".
When History Talks Back: Teaching Nonfiction History of the Vietnam War. Larry R. Johannessen
This article originally appeared in the March 2002 issue of the English Journal. Larry Johannessen's approach to teaching the Literature of Vietnam is truly inspirational. Our thanks to him for his work, and to The English Journal and the National Council of Teachers of English for sharing it. "Copyright 2002 by the National Council of Teachers of English. Used with permission.
Platoon: the Real Story. Michael Pectol
Sgt. Pectol was inspired by a new television show on the Fox Channel called Heroes. It brought to mind for him some special heroes who are part of his personal history. He sent this letter to John Kasich at Heroes and has agreed to having it posted here with some editing for clarity of content. Thanks Sgt. Mikie!
Design of Tribute to Veterans Unveiled. Paul Purpura
This article is reproduced here with permission from the Times-Picayune in New Orleans. Our thanks to the Times-Picayune staff who consistently brings Veteran's Affairs to the reading public. Our special thanks to Paul Purpura, West Bank Bureau for patiently putting up with my requests to share the information he presented with you all. From the Times-Picayune, Sunday, April 14, 2001, Metro Section.
Brothers. Patrick Shine
Patrick Shine shares his thoughts with us concerning serving in Vietnam, the Brotherhood of All Soldiers, and the value of sharing time and memories with comrades in arms at reunions.
Letters to Those in Active Service. Michael Pectol
Sgt. Michael Pectol, http://277arty.tripod.com shares his thoughts with us on the importance of sharing our thoughts with those we have sent to defend us. Thanks for sharing, Mikie; and thanks for still being the one who looks after us all.
87 Year Old Veteran Feels Forsaken. Remy Benoit
The Times-Picayune of New Orleans ran a Letter to the Editor today, Sunday, April 28 2002 entitled “Sick veteran feels forgotten”on page B6.
A Plea for Healing with Forgiveness. Remy Benoit
I know it has been a long, long time for many of you to be carrying the hurt all tied up with the Vietnam War, but I am asking you to consider what I am saying here.
Expect a Masterpiece. Steven Goodier
Steve Goodier has graciously consented to share some of his inspiring motivational articles with us from www.lifesupportsystem.com
Sharing. Remy Benoit
Just after I put up A Plea for Forgiveness three pieces of writing came to me from three friends from the States to Australia. They have given me their permission to share them with you. These are words of healing, words of forgiveness, and words of hope.
A Good Place to Start Healing. Remy Benoit
I sat down this evening with Chicken Soup for the Veteran's Soul, intending to read a story or three. That was quite a while ago. I have cried, I have smiled, and I have been deeply touched.
What Does the Word PEACE Mean?. Remy Benoit
I have asked some people to write on the subject: What are the major obstacles to peace? Two questions came from a friend yesterday: “Just what is peace? What does the word mean to each person?” Those are good questions.
The Power of Forgiveness. Steve Goodier
Steve Goodier shares with us a story of forgiveness about Abraham Lincoln and a Civil War soldier.
What War Is From the Perspective of Children. Remy Benoit
A recommendation for a special UNICEF book: I dream of peace: Images of war by children of the former Yugoslavia. Preface by Maurice Sendak. Introduction by James P. Grant, Executive Director, UNICEF. 1994 I Never Saw Another Butterfly: Children’s Drawings and Poems from Terezin Concentration Camp 1942-1944 by Hana Volavkova, Editor, 1978- 94 And a plea from the United Nations and the Global Movement for Children
Find Personal Freedom in the Principles of Invisible Justice. Guy Finley
Guy Finley is graciously sharing with us once again here at WelcomeHomeSoldier. Today he speaks of Invisible Justice and its role in our lives. Thank you, Guy.
An Open Letter to the Boomer Generation. Remy Benoit
Generation Y Shares With Us. Remy Benoit
I asked several classes of high school young people to share their ideas with us relating to the question:What do you feel are the major obstacles to peace?
A Boomer Answers: Who Are We?. Janet Kieninger
I am delighted to share with you the first answer to my question of the Boomers: Who Are We?
Generation Y Continues. Remy Benoit
We continue with the voices of the young on the obstacles to world peace. Because of their comments, I am adding a few links to sites that will help us achieve tolerance toward each other.
Got a Problem?. Steve Goodier
We all have problems. What new, creative ways can we think of to solve them. Albert Einstein once reminded us that we could not solve our problems with the same thinking that originally caused them.
Generation Y Continues. Remy Benoit
We have high school Juniors with us today. The first two classes were Sophomores. The young people share many sentiments concerning the possibiities for peace. There are interesting perspectives in store for you here. The young have so much to tell us, if we choose to listen. Remember, it was one of them who told the Emperor about his clothes.
Salute to the Nurses of Vietnam. Harry Kieninger
Harry Kieninger served as a medic at Cu Chi in ’67. He is the author of When Can We Come Home? Understanding the Viet Nam Veteran. Please visit with Harry.
WELCOME TO THE NEW www.welcomehomesoldier.com. Remy Benoit
This is a place for you, no matter what kind of war you have known, to find help to write yourself home.
Some of you have known active battlefields, faced fear, known courage, known loss on foreign soil, in foreign waters, in foreign airways. Some of you have known pain at home when those closest to you, for whatever reason, have become the enemy. Some of you have let yourselves down and carry the pain of what might have beens. Some still feel the pain of a decades old incident in a classroom.
DayBook. Remy Benoit
Many of us keep journals, day books, diaries, travel journals. All of life is a journey as most of us have come to know.
At this point in time, it is my desire to write on topics related to ideas covered in the seminar. For today, I am including two DayBook entries that I feel expand some of the ideas covered.
If you have a story to tell of someone who helped you along the way, please do send it to us. Share your joy as a way of encouraging others to be there.
You Can Help: The Veterans’ National Stamp and Coin Club and “Project Outreach”. Remy Benoit
Formed more than 29 years ago this group is a nationwide distribution center to other VA Medical Facilities. There are over 600 active members throughout the United States and abroad. The stamps and coins acquired from donations are used for treating Veterans with service related medical problems.
Integrity in Writing. Remy Benoit
Perhaps you have come to a point with all this work where you are ready to begin a serious involvement with a piece of writing.
Perhaps you have been having “conversations” with your principle characters; perhaps the time and place of your story are clear to you and you have done enough research to be able to let your writing flow in that particular time and place.
You have studied your market, know what is selling, what is on the top ten list,or the made for tv movie of the week.
Your paper, or your invisible paper, is in front of you.
Just remember what you write, what you put yourself into with everything you have to give, becomes part of you, and is, of course, an extension of you.
This is where you must be carefilled; this is where you must ask yourself what is my true mission with this piece of writing, this extension of me?
Ask real questions of yourself, of your characters and you will find real answers, not rationalizations. Give you characters, and yourself, room to grow.
Write with truth, write with compassion; write with integrity.
Dear Steven. Remy Benoit
I received your letter tonight and tried to answer through the e-mail address you sent. However, it came back through the mail administrator. So I am hoping that you see this.
Here is my response to your letter.
Looking for Historical Information?. Remy Benoit
Are you familiar with The History Net? It is run through About.com
If you are looking for information on any war,or any period of history to help you with your writing, you will find a good beginning there.
Visit With a Friend, the Cloudpuncher, Tony McNally, and With The Forgotten Soldier.com. Remy Benoit
War is not new; it has been a pandemic plague throughout history.
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder is its partner.
Visit with Pharaoh Press, UK. Remy Benoit
For those of you who visit from the United Kingdom and the continent, as well as from so many other places around the world, I invite you to visit with Sue at Pharaoh Press.
People. Remy Benoit
140 Nations have signed the International Mine Ban Treaty. The United States has not.
Those Who Will Listen Will Learn. Steve Goodier
On this anniversary of the horror of September 11th may we all join in prayer to honor those we have lost and for guidance.
Steve Goodier's, Those Who Will Listen Will Learn, has some special thoughts to share with us today.
Something Very Precious. Remy Benoit
We are a nation in mourning; we are a nation of determination.
We are a nation who gives heartfelt gratitude to all of you across the world who touched us yesterday, who reached out to us a year ago as we reach out to the citizens of all the other countries who ache with us, sharing the loss, sharing the grief.
We are a People who know what it means to live with FREEDOM.
USO. Remy Benoit
For over 60 years the USO has provided services to the families and to our military personnel.
A Temperate Response. Steve Goodier
Steve always shares wonderful thoughts with us.
His words today of great importance.
Vietnam Veterans Recognition Day. Remy Benoit
Our Vietnam Veterans have been waiting for decades for a Welcome Home.
Now we have an opportunity to do this; to ease the pain the lack of that has brought them.
It does not matter what your position on the war was, these Veterans are our national family. They are not prodigal sons wanting to come home now; they are sons pushed out into the cold, scorned by their national family and carrying big, big hurt.
It is up to us to assuage that hurt and to learn what we can for future generations from this engagement.
Reference places and pictures to help you. Remy Benoit
These are some sites that may be of help to you in writing about history, or the current events of today.
In Memoriam. Remy Benoit
Stephen Ambrose passed on Sunday morning in Bay St. Louis, Mississippi.
Tom Brokaw said of his friend:
He was kind of America's Historian.
A Reminder. Remy Benoit
Vietnam Veterans Recognition Day Petition
Books That May Interest You. Remy Benoit
I have been reviewing books for quite a while now.
YOUR HELP IS NEEDED. Remy Benoit
As many of you are aware, there is a National Veterans Project.
For Charlie Brown from the Men of C 3/22. Patrick Shine
Last Tuesday, October 15th, Charlie Brown was honored in a beautiful and moving ceremony at Brookside Funeral Home, and then interred in the last bunker he will ever have to be in at Brookside Memorial Cemetery.
National Coalition for Homeless Veterans, Et. Al.. Remy Benoit
There are many ideas around about the situation concerning homeless Veterans.
For some discussions on this topic, and how to help, please visit the following websites. These are just a few of many: if you have a favorite please send it along and I will post it.
Rethinking Schools. Remy Benoit
I came upon an interesting site today that I would like to draw your attention to.
Memory Lane. Remy Benoit
This was handed to me today in the office. A little piece, author unknown, called "How Did We Survive?"
It is a good indicator on how much the world has changed at a personal growing up level.
Day Book, October 28, 2002. Remy Benoit
The air outside here this morning is liquid and warm, heavy with the scent of mold. I got a call from Buffalo that they are expecting snow by the end of the week. The clocks were turned back this weekend to Standard Time. It is autumn.
Autumn is the time for bringing in the harvest; it is also a time for evaluation of the summer’s crop and preparation for the winter’s trials
Review of Musings: Writers Do It Write!. Remy Benoit
A group of women writers has come together to present you with a wonderful gift.
Their free-e-book: Musings: Authors Do It Write! is a journey through the realities, the commitment, and the joys of the writer’s life.
USA Patriot Act/Constitution/Bill of Rights. Remy Benoit
This is a web link to the USA PATRIOT Act as passed by Congress
Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act (Oct. 25, 2001)
HR 3162 RDS
Children in Afghanistan. Remy Benoit
The French Entertainer, Charles Aznevour, sings a song called Children of War.
It opens with the line, "There are children of war who have never been young."
Profile: What Can One Person Do? Meet Charlie Black. Remy Benoit
You won't find Charlie on the shelf with Hemingway, or Proust, or Joyce, or Wolfe.
You will find Charlie at Silver Spurs - A Troop, 3/17th Air Cav - Special Feature
I suggest you pay a visit to PTSD Support Services. Remy Benoit
When you visit this site, you find that the first words you see are WELCOME HOME.
I am aware of how sweet those words can be.
Veterans Day. Remy Benoit
On November 11th we honor our Veterans.
It has been a long, long time since the 11th hour, of the 11th day, of the eleventh month when silence broke out across the bloodied trenches, across No Man's Land.
Something Special from Daily Guideposts.
I received an e-mail about Veterans Day.
What was in it was special, so with permission from Daily Guideposts: Your Source of Inspiration, I invite you to go to:
Veterans.
We Can Help Each Other. Remy Benoit
Teach them politics and war so their sons may study medicine and mathematics in order to give their children a right to study painting, poetry, music and architecture.
John Adams
Forgotten Soldier. Remy Benoit
Who is the Forgotten Soldier?
Do you know one?
Are you one?
Veterans Day Speech.
This speech is being shared from Frackville, Pennsylvania this Veterans Day.
I wonder how many of us thought of the true Essence of the Day. Perhaps this will remind us to.
Dave Bowen, thank you for Sharing.
Thank Those in Active Service. Remy Benoit
Tonight you are at your keyboard, watching the television, enjoying a hot meal, and/or a hot shower.
Gratitude. Remy Benoit
The holiday season is upon us.
It is a time of great expectations, and also, very often a time of great disappointments.
We often expect too much of ourselves and too much of others.
How can we change that?
A CALL. Remy Benoit
WE CAN MAKE HISTORY, OR HISTORY CAN UNMAKE US!
What is your story?
What have you learned?
It's About Hunger. Remy Benoit
Thanksgiving is upon us.
The markets are filled with food.
Many stores are beautifully decorated for the holidays.
Many of us will spend the holidays with loved ones at abundant tables.
But many will spend them alone with very sparse tables.
Many years ago in a classroom a young man asked a simple question. He asked it with tears in his eyes, after a detailed explanation of trade, tariffs,embargoes, etc.
He asked the question of me.
"But why do people have to go hungry?"
We are still searching for an answer to that young man's question.
You can help with just a click to a website:
Hunger Site.
Welcome Back Warrior. Paul Rubin
From Phoenix New Times comes the story of a Marine.
It is a story you will understand.
That saddens me just as the tale of this Marine's journey to try to come home does.
A Question That Needs To Be Asked. Remy Benoit
This is a question that needs to be asked, and we are the ones to be asking it.
If the VA is having problems now keeping up with the needs of our current Veterans, what provisions are being made to tend to the needs of those yet to come from the areas where we are sending those on active duty?
Milestones in American Documents. Remy Benoit
We have a long history of a great thirst for freedom.
We have proven that on many battlefields, including here at home during the Revolution.
We have a debt to pay; a simple one, a vital one.
Some Thoughts About Words. Remy Benoit
Meister Eckhart, 1260-1328, conveyed a simple truth:
"The purpose of a word is to reveal."
Brave Pages: A Site You Will Appreciate. Remy Benoit
I am a very strong advocate of oral history. We need to know who we were; where we came from, and who helped shape our values to know who we are and who we can be.
Rethinking Schools. Remy Benoit
We are responsible for what is taught in our schools.
We are responsible in making sure that all sides of all subjects are presented.
Christmas at Okinawa. Remy Benoit
Have you ever been away from home and those you love for Christmas? If you have, you have some idea of what this soldier is trying to tell us.
If you haven't been away from loved ones and home, try to imagine how it would feel to not only be away but to be in a battle zone for Christmas.
December 7, 1941. Remy Benoit
Today we remember.
Today we still mourn.
This day in history was, indeed, a Day of Infamy.
Meet John Thompson -Photos/Graphics. Remy Benoit
Are you working with an old photograph for your writing?
Is it looking murky, cracking, fading?
Does it need restoration?
Are you ready for a terrific cover design for your book?
Season's Greetings. Tony McNally
This comes to us from the UK.
It comes with shared feelings; it comes to us with great understanding.
Mack is a Veteran of the Falklands War and the author of Cloudpuncher.
And coming back to you, Mack, is a big hug and lots of love.
Christmas Day, 1966: The Bob Hope Show.. Harry Kieninger
We are taking a trip down memory lane.
Tonight we give you Christmas at Cu Chi, 1966.
The words are Harry Kieninger's. You may visit with Harry at Medic.
The photo is courtesy of Mike Pectol, focus11b from Arty.
The soldier in the picture, decorating a tree from home, is Phil Costantino, focus11 from '66-'67.
Thank you for sharing.
And, Bob, "Thanks for the memories."
Blessings for the New Year. Remy Benoit
The day is beginning to darken, the last evening of 2002. Here fireworks are legal, and they are popping already.
Our New Year's greeting is a simple one from so many lifeforms with whom we share this beautiful planet.
Some Reading Recommendations. Remy Benoit
As we are all aware, the world grows smaller everyday. The fact that we are so interconnected demands of us that we begin to accept that deep connection. Jean Houston, in her A Passion for the Possible: A Guide to Realizing Your True Potential makes this deep connection quite vivid for us:
Every sniff brings the world through your nose. It has been estimated that in any given three-week period, some molecules of everyone on this planet pass through you breathing apparatus-your aunt Annie, the president of France, a giraffe in Kenya.
We're Back!. Remy Benoit
Sorry for the inconvenience the last few days - a server upgrade.
With the new year in full swing, with talk of war in the air, I thought this to be a good time to direct you to a special essay by Robert Olen Butler.
Iraq: some views. Remy Benoit
There is much in the news about the severe problems in Iraq.
There is much to consider when a country speaks of the possibility of war.
Most of you know; many of you have been through it.
Below are links to a variety of viewpoints:
Cloudpuncher by Tony McNally. Reviewed by Remy Benoit
Our lives are made up of all kinds of relationships.
Each type of relationship implies some kind of mutual responsibility.
One of those relationships is between those we send to serve, and we who send them. I usually refer to this particular relationship as a covenant: if you will be there for us, we will be there for you.
Cloudpuncher.
Watching Men Burn.
Not For Queen or Country by Edward Denmark. Reviewed by Remy Benoit
This is an honest book, an account of life in the military by a man who served as a British soldier in Northern Ireland and in the Falklands War.
Denmark notes that his initial attraction to the armed services had a lot to do with extravagant recruitment posters of soldiers skiing, of soldiers walking sunny beaches. It also had a lot to do with relief from the drudgery of factory work. In fact, after a brief hiatus from the military, Denmark re-enlisted and attempted Para training.
Iraqi Question. Remy Benoit
There are a wide variety of positions on the question of making war on Iraq.
Project Hearts and Minds: A Mission of Reconciliation.
Project Hearts and Minds.
This is a non-profit volunteer group which includes Veterans.
Their mission is reconciliation.
They hope to "put a human face on the tragedy of war."
President Bush's Budget Proposal. Remy Benoit
The Veterans Administration is there for ALL Veterans.
Problems with the VA are common knowledge.
You may find President Bush's Budget Proposal for 2004 - A Blueprint for New Beginnings at:
Blueprint for New Beginnings.
Veterans for Common Sense. Remy Benoit
War is a serious thing; a very serious thing.
Veterans for Common Sense is an organization founded by Gulf War Veterans that provides articles about the proposed war on Iraq as well as open debate.
Veterans for Common Sense.
Say Hi to a GI.
You can send a message to those in active
service.
Let them know we are there for them now and will be when they come home again.
Say Hi to a GI.
Global Security.org.
From the Military, to Homeland Security, to Intelligence and Space, you will find reports, ideas, documents at Global Security.
An informed citizenry is the backbone of a democracy.
A Fateful Decision. Pat Shine
I asked Pat if I could share this with all of you.
His answer was yes.
His hope is that perhaps it will help one of you make the Fateful Decision and end the feeling of being alone.
I add my prayer to his hope.
Looking for Books?. Remy Benoit
If you are looking for books to purchase this is an interesting place.
ABE Books.
There are over 1 million titles just on the subject of war.
If there is something special that you are looking for this might be the place to find it.
They also carry First Editions for those of you who are seeking something in that category.
Veterans Rights and Benefits. Remy Benoit
This morning I draw your attention to some articles being run at
Veterans for Common Sense.
Power of Words. Remy Benoit
Today there are two sites to direct your attention to that come to us courtesy of Rethinking Schools.
YOU were soldiers once, and young. Remy Benoit
This article in the Washington Post caught my eye this morning.
To Gulf Troops,Vietnam is History.
To Gulf Troops, Vietnam is History comes to us from Camp Coyote, Kuwait By Peter Baker and Jonathan Finer
Washington Post Foreign Service
Wednesday, March 5, 2003; Page A01
A Familiar Name. Remy Benoit
With the airing of the TV movie,The Pentagon Papers, this week, I was asked Who is Daniel Ellsberg?
Who was this marine, this "clerk" who went through over 7,000 pages of documents and then leaked The Pentagon Papers and why did he do it?
Health Care and Our Troops. Remy Benoit
All of us have concern for those in activity duty today. Many of you know all about health care issues and our Veterans.
What are the Politicos Saying About the Proposed War?. Remy Benoit
This afternoon I thought this article would be of interest to you.
US Representative John J. Duncan ( R-TN )
speaks out for the conservative position:
Conservative Position on the Proposed War.
Senator Calls for Probe of DoD Healthcare. Press Release - John Kerry
Senator Calls for Probe of DoD Healthcare
Is all being done that should be done according to the "November 18, 1997, President Clinton signed into law Public Law 105-85, which required the DOD to develop and implement a medical tracking system for service members deployed overseas?"
On the question of oil. Remy Benoit
There have been questions raised about oil and the proposed war.
Who gains from the oil wells?
Who will be responsible for them?
Would Saddam level them?
Just War - or a Just War. Jimmy Carter
Former President Jimmy Carter shares his ideas about the proposed war with Iraq in the New York Times: Just war - or a Just War.
Pledge Allegiance to Our Troops. David Hackworth
David Hackworth's name is well known.
He shares his concern for our troops at
Pledge Allegiance to Our Troops.
atVeterans for Common Sense.
A Variety of Positions. Remy Benoit
The basis of a successful democracy is citizen involvement and voice.
Here are some viewpoints about the proposed war on Iraq.
Proposals Concerning Iraq Continue. Remy Benoit
The debate goes on, the suggested time frames continue being argued, the demand lists alter.
So here are some of the features of today's positions:
On Line Opinions on the Proposed War. Remy Benoit
There are many groups, pro/anti war.
These links will show you were different groups stand on the issues.
Stand By Our Troops.
Whatever is coming, whatever your feelings about it, remember those we sent to serve are our flesh and blood...
THEY ARE US.
WE MUST STAND BY THEM.
At the Brink. Remy Benoit
Last night President Bush gave Saddam Hussein an ultimatum.
Today the world reacts.
March 19, 2003. Remy Benoit
It is a beautiful morning here in New Orleans while we wait.
For those of you on the front lines, our prayers are with you.
Operation Dear Abby.
Operation USO Care Package. Remy Benoit
Because of security needs, the USO has devised a plan to get "care packages" to our troops.
The USO has played a vital part in the lives of our service people for a long time.
Verities of War. Remy Benoit
It is the first day of spring here in the States.
We are at war.
We have lost some of our own: a marine from the 1st Expeditionary Force, as yet not identified pending family notification, and four of our US Troops as well as 8 from the UK in a Marine helicopter crash.
Oxfam America Fact Sheet on Humanitarian Implications of Military Action in Iraq. Remy Benoit
We are in a war to aide the people of Iraq, to liberate them.
With that comes a huge responsibility for their post-war welfare.
There will be disruptions in an already disrupted country with food, sewage, water, sanitation, child and prenatal care, etc.
Veteran Teach-In CSPAN LIVE TODAY. Remy Benoit
Today, Saturday, March 22, at Kay Chapel, American University Saturday, March 22, 1-5 pm live on CSPAN join a Teach -In concerning issues relevant to current situation
For details, speakers, etc.: Teach-In.
Budget Cuts and Veterans. Remy Benoit
For an overview of proposed budget cuts regarding Veterans:
Major Veterans Groups Battle VA Budget Cuts The American Legion.
Veterans Against the Iraq War.
The strength of a democracy is in its voice.
In many parts of the nation there are protests against the war, while at the same time standing in support of our troops.
One of those collective voices is;Veterans Against the Iraq War.
For international reaction: BBC News
Sunday. Remy Benoit
These are some of the headline articles of the day:
Sunday Night. Remy Benoit
We mourn the loss of life in this confrontation and share the grief of all those loses touch. Indeed, each life lost touches us all.
Our prayers are with those taken as Prisoners of War.
Monday, March 24, 2003. Remy Benoit Monday Evening. Remy Benoit War and the Media. Remy Benoit Commentary on the Media. Remy Benoit Uprising ?. Remy Benoit Our Fallen Troops. Remy Benoit Baghdad. Remy Benoit Dolphins and Mines. Continuing War Coverage. Remy Benoit The War on the Web. Remy Benoit The Troops Are US. Remy Benoit Keep the Home Fires Burning. Remy Benoit The Verities of War. Remy Benoit The Numbers Grow - The Pain is Felt at Home. Remy Benoit The Dreaded Knock on the Door. Remy Benoit The Power of Words: Crusade/Jihad. Remy Benoit Congressional Perogatives. Remy Benoit Discussions on Post War Iraq. Remy Benoit Welcome Home, Jessica. Remy Benoit Benefits for Military. Looking Toward Post War Iraq. Remy Benoit Again, the Power of Words. Remy Benoit Reconstructing Iraq. Remy Benoit Homefront. Remy Benoit What next for Iraq and Saddam? and US. Remy Benoit New Developments. Remy Benoit Curfew. Remy Benoit Vietnam Veterans and the Iraq War. Remy Benoit Anguish. Remy Benoit Something to Share - A Common Soldier. Remy Benoit Syria - Cradle of Civilization - Modern Day. Remy Benoit Dennis Who?. Remy Benoit Iran. Remy Benoit France. Remy Benoit The Verities of War and PTSD. Remy Benoit Perspectives. Remy Benoit Doctors Without Borders. Remy Benoit Aftermath of War: Artifacts and Plague. Remy Benoit Artifacts Returning/Life in a Post War Country. Remy Benoit Women in Combat. Remy Benoit Letters Home. Remy Benoit Curators Gather to Help Restore Iraqi Antiquities. Remy Benoit A Tribute to Gunner Callan. Sgt. Greg Aurandman World War II Memoirs from Canada by Stan Scislowski. Stan Scislowski Malaria/Mefloquine/Lariam - Are there problems with these?. Remy Benoit America Library Association to Help Iraq. Remy Benoit Writing World.com/NewsTrove.com. Remy Benoit For Those of Us who are Grand/Great Grandparents. Remy Benoit Some Peace in War. Stan Scislowski Will you Help to Heal the World?. Remy Benoit Freedom to Read. Remy Benoit A Number to Consider. Remy Benoit Just a Thought. Remy Benoit The Search for WMD. Remy Benoit In the Wake of War. Remy Benoit Roses and Freedom. Remy Benoit Mass Grave South of Baghdad. Remy Benoit What We So Take for Granted: Freedom of the Press. Remy Benoit International Conscientious Objectors Day May 15. Remy Benoit The Personal Side of War. Remy Benoit Children of War. Remy Benoit A Nightingale Sang - or did it?. Stan Scislowski What will happen to the Baath party members in Iraq. Remy Benoit Is a different path possible?. Remy Benoit The Clergy and the Major. Remy Benoit What is the future of the Iraqi Army?. Remy Benoit Memorial Day. Remy Benoit A Special Message From a World War II Veteran to All You Vietnam Veterans. Stan Scislowski Concern from Amnesty International. Remy Benoit FROM SEA TO SHINING SEA COME GREETINGS: HAPPY 100TH BIRTHDAY, BOB HOPE. Remy Benoit Pointmen of the American Ideal. Capt. Douglas (Sandy) Cohn, USA (ret.) VA: 275,000 Veterans Homeless Every Night . Ohio State Senator Jim Carnes Coshocton (Ohio) Tribune Hide and Seek. Remy Benoit Anybody from the 22nd out there named Mobley?. Remy Benoit Rumsfeld in Europe. Remy Benoit Flag Day and Happy Birthday US Army. Remy Benoit The Verities of War. Remy Benoit Down Memory Lane. Remy Benoit The Strength of Human Endurance. Remy Benoit Sharing the Planet. Remy Benoit Bush and Iran. Remy Benoit Who are the fighters crossing into Iraq to take on American Forces?. Remy Benoit Korean War Anniversary. Remy Benoit History of Korean War. Remy Benoit Questions Being Raised. Remy Benoit While we celebrate the coming of summer, our troops are still engaged. Remy Benoit Casualties Continue to Mount and Questions Continue to be Raised. Remy Benoit Vietnam Collectors/Reenactors. Remy Benoit Not a GI, but a Real Trooper None the Less: Today we mourn the passing of Kate Hepburn. Remy Benoit Where are the WMD?. Remy Benoit Happy 4th of July !. Remy Benoit US Troops Abroad . Remy Benoit In the News. Remy Benoit We are back to the meaning of words again. Remy Benoit More on the topic of real Patriotism. Remy Benoit Costs Climb in Iraq. Remy Benoit Investigations into Chemical Tests on Military Personnel Continue. Remy Benoit Bastille Day. Remy Benoit Senator Robert Byrd, July 11, 2003. Remy Benoit Disabled Veterans of America. Remy Benoit Is this the "R" Word Again?. Remy Benoit National Guard Role Expands. Remy Benoit More losses of our troops. Remy Benoit Those We Send. Remy Benoit Up Close and Personal. Remy Benoit Two Landmarks. Remy Benoit Is There a Veterans' Memorial Park in Your Town?. Remy Benoit Down History Lane. Remy Benoit Remember the Blood of Heroes. Turning Things Upside Down. Remy Benoit Hunger in the US. Remy Benoit For Tim O'Brien Fans. Remy Benoit
The war continues with much fighting.
Prisoners of War are entitled to the humanitarian rights outlined in the Geneva Convention: Geneva Convention.
From the Washington Post: Display of 5 POWs Draws Firm Rebuke U.S. Warns Iraq on Televised Images By Bradley Graham and Jonathan Weisman Washington Post Staff WritersMonday, March 24, 2003; Page A01
As fighting comes near to Holy Cities, this article will help clarify feelings about these areas.
From Fox News:
Background: Karbala and Najaf By Paul Wagenseil.
Mass media, like mass anything, often, usually, does not reflect all the nuances of a situation.
War is a fierce and bloody thing.
What is the role of the media in wartime?
What are the responsibilities of the media?
As has been said, 'war is not a video game.'
It is brutal and messy and very harsh.
Death is an integral part of it.
Troops being taken as Prisoners of War are an integral part of it.
How much of its truth should be shown?
Why should viewers be offended by the real face of war?
Does honest reporting not show the real face of war?
How much should the children see?
How do we show consideration for the family members of those who fall or are taken prisoner?
Just how much reporting should be given to troop movements? When does that become dangerous to the troops?
Early reports are coming in on an alleged uprising by Shiite Muslims of Basra.
We mourn the loss of our troops; we all share the grief of their families. We are all family.
To those who are on this battle front, we send our prayers for your safe return.
Blessings,
Remy
Baghdad is a very old city.
It is now under seige.
Many have left.
Those who remain who wish to see the end of Hussein's reign are fearful.
From CNN: Dolphins aid Iraq mine-clearance.
War is a tentacled thing, its blood soaked arms clawing into military and civilian lives.
There are many positions concerning the war in Iraq.
All around the country and the globe there are demonstrations both anti and pro.
This war is also being discussed at great length around the world on the web.
I was deeply disturbed reading the article linked to below this morning.
I do not, in any way, believe that this reporting reflects on the character of the people of this state. This incident could have taken place anywhere. Probably has; probably will.
Many of you who are Veterans of the Vietnam War have had this kind of experience. Although the insult was decades ago, I know from what you tell me, the pain is fresh.
This was an act of a handful of young people.
Nevertheless, age does not excuse this kind of behavior.
One of the realities of war is that of the families and friends waiting for news at home.
The battlefield leads to many questions.
All that lives have known before comes undone.
And that leads to confusion, pain, and very often, later in life Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
The gods of war know no satiation.
Daily the numbers grow: KIA, MIA, WIA, POW.
Our hearts, our prayers are with all of them and all who wait.
And while they serve, their children wait. How can we help them with that? What can our communities do to reach out to these children?
The daughter, the son, the husband...how do you tell the next of kin that their loved one is missing, wounded,a POW, or not coming home alive.
It used to be a telegram that was the dreaded messenger. Since 1955 it has been a knock on the door.
Words have power.
Words have history, have baggage, and have major impact.
Words once spoken can never be totally taken back.
The Constitution of the United States is based upon a very specific division of, and balancing of, power.
That document was framed that way for a reason.
The reason is very simple: to protect the people who framed it from any encroachments on their freedom.
Below is Article 1 of the Constitution which deals with the powers of Congress.
If you have not read this since high school, perhaps you should read it again. If you have never read it, well, it is time to read about the bicameral legislative branch that is the lawmaker and the financial conduit of this country.
The questions are being debated as to how post-war Iraq will be reconstructed.
Who will lead the reconstruction?
What will UN involvement be?
How will it be funded?
Below are some of the things being said to date.
Jessica, as a mother, as a citizen of this country, Welcome Home.
Thank you, Jessica, for your service.
Please know that all our prayers are with you for healing.
Blessings,
Remy
Lawmakers are moving to enhance benefits.
From Fox News and Kelley Beaucar Vlahos: Lawmakers Rush to Aid Military Families by Kelley Beaucar Vlahos.
As Coalition troops move into Baghdad there are various possibilities being discussed for the post war government.
How much UN involvement should there be?
What role will Iraqis play in running their country?
Who will make up the new leadership of a country being brought into a new form of government?
Emotions nationally and internationally will run high on this issue. What is its history; what is its future?
I know, again, again I mention the power of words.
But with the 24/7 reporting we are beseiged with words.
With coalition troops in Baghdad how Iraq will be constructed will become the major issue.
It is not an easy task and arguments will be heard on all sides.
There are many, many positions in this country about the war with Iraq; many, many positions about the peace and reconstruction.
Those at home send support and love to the troops in country, even when they are like Miz' Alice protesting. Join her in Canton, Mass. with this AP piece and others here on the homefront.
Amidst celebration there is war still raging.
While statues and posters fall, the Coalition looks for Saddam.
Alleged torture chambers are opened to world view.
How will Iraq be ruled?
Who will rule?
Should there be trials for Iraq's fallen leadership on charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity?
These are some of today's views:
We are watching, some of us, 24/7, a regime change in Baghdad.
All kinds of questions are, and will be raised.
What will we find?
What will be the future, immediate and long range, role of Iraq in the 21st century?
The Coalition forces continue trying to restore order in Iraq.
From the AP Press and Military.com Tikrit Is Last Iraqi Holdout.
At Military.com you can join the discussion:Military.com.
Many Vets feel unable to walk away from the television screen:
From Pittsburg, the Post-Gazette and By Milan Simonich, Post-Gazette Staff Writer: War on Iraq brings back haunting memories for Vietnam vets.
During war terrible things happen and those terrible things live on in the hearts, minds, souls of those who knew them.
This war is generating a new group of Veterans who will have much healing to do; who will need help.
At the same the proposed budget calls for vast cuts in Veteran care. Is that how we keep our unwritten Covenant? Be there for us, and we will be there for you...
Domestic areas require much help.
The people of Iraq will also need much help.
Waging war brings new responsibilities, vast responsibilities.
How we meet them is a measure of who we are.
This piece was brought to my attention.
I felt it should be brought to yours.
JUST A COMMON SOLDIER by
A. Lawrence Vaincourt.
You might like to pass it along.
Syria neighbors Iraq.
It has a long and complicated history dating back to 9000BCE. It is said that this is where civilization began.
With all the talk between the US and Syria at the moment, it is good to take a look at the history and beliefs of the people who live there.
Below are some links that will help with that.
Who is Dennis Kucinich?
He is a Progressive, the sponsor of a bill for a Department of Peace.
Who is he and what does he stand for?
As the world grows smaller each and every day, it becomes increasingly important that we learn each other's history, culture, and perspectives.
Much of the history of the world is taught in huge survey courses that leave little time for close up looks at the cultures of other countries, and often, even our own.
However, with the web history is now quite literally at your finger tips.
Iran is currently in the news. Let's take a look at the historic roots of its culture.
When we fought for our independence, Lafayette was here.
When the battle was on French soil the cry of the Lafayette Escadrille was "Lafayette, we are here."
We were there on the beaches of Normandy.
They were at Dien Bien Phu.
Here in New Orleans the French heritage is everywhere as Louisiana celebrates its Bicentennial.
Below are links to the history of France, and to the history of Louisiana.
As I have said, war is an insatiably hungry thing. Even when the guns begin to silence, or are finally silenced, the experiences known in combat stay very much alive.
Very often those who serve need medical and psychological treatment. Please, make your representatives aware that we need to keep the Covenant with those we send to fight.
Support our Veterans.
There is so much in the news these last few weeks that it is sometimes hard to keep up with.
Nevertheless, that keeping up is our responsibility.
Below are some reactions to things that are going on here and abroad.
Doctors Without Borders is a humanitarian volunteer group.
They are at work in Iraq, as well as many other places, and they need your help.
The National Museum of Iraq has been looted. The questions remain: by whom, was the looting pre-planned.
Some of the lights are back on, but much of the water is not yet running increasing chances for cholera and thyphoid.
From the University of Pennsylvania Museum:Saving the Past for Future Generations:UPM's Statement on the Looting of the Iraq National Museum by Dr. Richard L. Zettler, Associate Curator-in-charge of the Near Eastern Section and Dr. Jeremy A. Sabloff, UPM's Williams Director.
Some of the treasures missing from the museum were taken into safe keeping; others did not fare so well.
There are areas of unrest between different Muslim groups, and while Iraqis ask for protection during this time of upheaval, they are also making it clear, Thank you, now please leave it to us to set up an Islamic state.
And, as always in combat, there is the toll on those we send to fight.
Throughout the upheavals of the Sixties, there was a beginning of East and West meeting, culturally, religiously, and philosophically exchanging ideas, coming to understandings. Perhaps, if we pursue it, this engagement may lead to greater understanding, communication, and compassion.
While the pros and cons of it are still being argued, the fact is, women are, and have been in combat.
Does that change the face of war?
What are the risks, the advantages?
Does it give new definition to the word equality?
What problems occur when "Moms" are in combat?
We have availability to so, so many letters home from so, so many wars.
Now we have them from Iraq, and some of them are final letters home.
They speak of God, of love, of hope, of pizza and things familiar.
For those whose letters were the last ones home, we grieve with their families. We honor their sacrifice.
The worst case scenario fears for Iraqi antiquities faced with being on a battlefront have been at least partially realized.
Many of the antiquities have been looted, damaged, destroyed.
A summit of Curators met at the British Museum today to begin outlining ways to help Iraq reclaim it tremendous antiquity heritage.
Gunner Brian Callan was a Marine, dedicated to country, duty, and his men.
What happened to him is a tale that is so sadly not unfamiliar. You may read his story in the Phoenix Times by Paul Rubin at:Welcome Back Warrior.
Sgt. Aurandman offers his memory the following tribute.
Stan Scislowski, author of Not All of Us Were Brave, Editor of Royal Canadian
Legion Branch Newsletter for 40 years, joins us from Canada.
To view Stan’s book, please go to:Not All of Us Were Brave.
Stan is sharing some of his words, his memories with us. For today we join him with:
The controversy over the Mefloquine/Lariam treatment for malaria has been brought to my attention.
It is a controversy well worth being researched.
If you have taken, or are taking this drug and having problems there are links below that will help you.
Museum Curators from around the world met to begin to help Iraq restore its national treasures.
The American Library Association in conjunction with the Heritage Emergency National Task Force is helping too.
To get the full story, please go to: ALA joins international library community in assisting Iraq National Library.
Thanks to Moira Allen and her Writing World.Com. I became aware of a special news service: NewsTrove.Com.
You will find information about the 101st Airborne, the 173rd Airborne, the 7th Calvary, and 82nd Airborne as well as a vast host of other topics from Archaeology to Web Hosting.
Those of you who know me personally KNOW that I am a book nut. I am physically incapable of resisting a book sale and have a vast, vast, vast library.
When I was a child, my favorite book was The Princess and the Goblin. One day my daughter found me a reprint of this book that dates back to the 1870's, and since then I have found a 1930's copy of MacDonald's book.
Books formed a great, great part of my youth. I recall that Princess Irene's story was in a hardback maroon cover with sort of thick beige pages. Her story has left me with a life time fascination with hidden staircases and things that go bump in the night. Her goblins and her struggle with them in their own way took me to the path of other things that go bump in the night, like war and PTSD. But keep the faith, the Princess and her Geordi were victorius over the goblins.
On the way back to the battlefront, a soldier finds some peace.
It is World War II and we are in Italy with Stan Scislowski in 1944.
Today is a special day for us here at WHS.
With tremendous gratitude to my son for endless hours of computer work, we announce the formal launching of The Niquahanam Project: Help to Heal the World.
The words "Reading is Fundamental" are well known to all who live in this country.
Reading is the link that joins us across centuries. It transmits words, ideas, emotions, experience. It gives us common ground as human beings. It helps us to grow; it helps us to heal; it helps us to share.
Ben Franklin is in part a national hero because of his advocacy of libraries.
I was visiting the site of Global Action to Prevent War: A Coalition-Building Effort to Stop War, Genocide, and Internal Armed Conflict.
I came across a number there.
If there is any validity to the idea of reincarnation, and a vast amount of the world's population believes it has great validity, then consider this thought.
You chose to be alive in this time period in history.
Why?
What is the work that you are to do?
What is the work that as a unique individual can only be done by you?
Weapons of Mass Destruction in large quantities are eluding US search teams. For an update on that search, visit The Washington Post: Frustrated, U.S. Arms Team to Leave Iraq Task Force Unable To Find Any Weapons.
When a government is removed, a power vacuum is left; chaos reigns. That time is a very precarious time for a nation as people are often in favor of the return of stability, and sometimes are prone to overlooking its price tag.
US troops face a daunting task in Baghdad, as well as the rest of Iraq.
Some reports from that nation follow:
Roses mean so many, many things.
Red ones mean love.
Something said, "Subrosa" is to be kept confidential, thus the roses carved high on old conference room walls.
England had its War of the Roses.
The subject of Roses came to mind with all the talk of dictatorship, persecution, denial of rights, freedom.
CNN reports the unearthing if a mass grave, seemingly of Shiites who attempted to unseat Saddam in 1991. Iraqis uncover thousands in mass grave.
From the Archives of the Times of London we have a reminder that Freedom of the Press is a hard won civil liberty and one that must be protected. With instant cameras and satellite links, we have become accustomed to instant reportage. That, obviously, was not always so.
From the BBC interviews with four Conscientious Objectors from 4 different wars explain their positions on the stands they have taken.
'Why I would not kill in war'.
War is much more than just a break down in communications. It is human interactions in oh so many ways.
There are the terrible, deadly moments on the field of battle, and there are the awesome moments of human touching.
There is an old song called Children of War by French artist Charles Aznevour with a line that goes, "There are children of war who have never been young."
In any war, despite the best intentions, there are the realities. Those realities often impact most harshly on the children.
Those of us who are aficinados of old World War II songs know how A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square.
Well, now that the Lights have gone on All Over the World, maybe this will shed some light on just who did that singing.
What will become of the followers of Saddam?
Party membership was the way to advancement, to education. What price will be paid for that price?
From Washington Post.com Highlights -Iraqis killing Baath Party members -
U.S. punishment seen as not harsh enough.
Some say that we are by our very nature a belligerent species. Others are trying to prove that anthropologically we are not; that aggression is a learned behavior.
There are many factors involved in what each of us grows up to be. Environment plays its role; the amount of love and assurance given plays its. Some say that up to 70% of childhood training is in negatives: Don't do this, that, or the other thing.
In the aftermath of war the lives of soldiers, religious leaders, and civilians intermingle.
There are problems of sanitation, of customs, of expectations for the future of Iraq.
With the Iraqi Army, like the Baath Party, officially disbanded, what is the new Iraqi Army to be?
Who will be allowed to serve?
How will those accused by rank of complicity with Hussein be able to plead their cases?
What munitions will be permitted?
As we celebrate this Memorial Day holiday, honoring those who gave all to preserve who we are, a thought occurred to me.
We have come to think of the governance of this country as "them" and "us."
They are the ones elected to represent us. We are the ones who are represented.
I promised someone, a Vietnam Veteran, that one day he would see this; a letter, a statement like this.
When I read it, well, yes, you can smile and shed copious tears at the same time.
So across the years, across the wars.
Bless you, Stan, for this.
Remy
With war and terrorism having become a great part of our lives, there is a concern from Amnesty International about violations of human rights in the name of freedom.
To Bob,
From every GI who you, and your troops, gave a respite from hell; your courage is exemplary; your heart boundless, your love unconditional.
Hear our voices across this nation in song;
BOB, THANKS FOR THE MEMORIES.
God Bless and Keep you!
A Grateful Nation
This year marks the 35th Anniversary of the West Point Class of 1968.
I received a message a few moments ago asking me to share these words, these memories with you as a tribute to a West Point Class with several members who did not come home.
I stood one day a few months ago with the man from this class who asked me to run "Sandy's" Memorial Speech as he pointed out who was who in their graduation picture. Too often during those very poignant moments he said naming one of them after another for me, "He did not come home."
I feel touched, I feel honored, to post Captain Douglas Cohn's, tribute. These men gave all for Honor, Duty, Country.
For those of you here to read these words, Welcome Home. For those of you who have gone on I know, somehow, someway you understand how your brothers feel, how very much you are missed and how inadequate words seem to be when it comes to saying Thank You for giving the ultimate for the country you love. We pray that the Lord showers you with His Blessings; we send you our very personal, Welcome Home.
They serve their country.
Sometimes they go off to war with flags waving and crowds cheering.
Sometimes they come home, if they come home, to parades and crowds cheering.
Sometimes they come home to derision and neglect.
They are our Veterans.
We're back. Been moving from one house to a new one, but back on line now, even if I haven't yet found the can opener!
Seems there is some controversy a brewing about the WMD's and credibility.
Got the note below a little bit ago...so if your name is Mobley and you were with Delta Company 3rd of the 22nd from 4/1/68 to 4/1/69 there's a buddy named Al looking for you.
Defense Secretary Rumsfield makes some statements about the old and new Europe and about the possibilities of nuclear weapon development in Iran
Today is Flag Day and it is also the birthday of the United States Army.
Fly the colors and thank a Veteran for protecting them.
War is a hungry, devouring thing. At present there are about 30 going on around the globe.
Join Steven Rosenfeld and Chris Hedges for What Every Person Should Know About War.
Being a first year Boomer, I remember growing up in a world that was Them and Us. There was the Korean War, East German Uprising in '53,reported below; the Hungarian Revolution of '56; Sputnik; the Guns of October; and, of course, Vietnam.
Do you remember the bomb shelters? The question: Would you let your neighbors in?
All of which brings us to the old adage: The only constant is change. Yesterday's enemy may be today's friend. How can we enlarge our vision to know that and to work with it.
For those of you who weren't there, who didn't know the insanity of MAD ( Mutually Assured Destruction ), here are some links to take you back to those not so wonderful times:
History is full of tales of the depths of our will to survival. The tales are the type that fill us with wonder and awe and make us ask ourselves could we endure what this person did.
The name of Jawad Amer Sayed joins the ranks of those whose will to survive astonishes us. He lived inside a false wall in his home about 100 miles southeast of Baghdad for 22 years.
I have just moved back to the country. I believe there is something in us Boomers that draws us back to the land.
Two huge live oaks stand centinnel in the front yard that you come to from a lumpy, bumpy road. Across the road from us is the Global Wildlife Center, so when I get my mail, I am greeted by all sorts of our co-habitors on this planet grazing in innocence, unaware of the capabilities for destruction of their human brothers.
When dark falls here, it is a deep, deep penetrating dark that even blinks out the massive live oaks.
A rooster crows in the morning, a horse pastures on the bumpy road.
It is a good reminder that once all was not cement, city lights and parking lots. It is a good place to touch Creation. So when I read Jane Goodall's words this morning they stuck home.
President Bush said he " will not tolerate " nuclear weapons in Iran.
From the New York Times and David E. Sanger:
Bush Says U.S. Will Not Tolerate Building of Nuclear Arms by Iran By DAVID E. SANGER.
While the war may be "over" Iraq is far from stabilized. American Forces are confronted with loyalists to the still missing Saddam who appear to be recruiting others to help fight their cause.
I was 4 years old when the Korean War started.
I remember the newsreels that brought terrible pictures of terrible cold, death, destruction.
The grandpop of one of my son's friends served there, doing ID's from dentures. When he came home, well, someone said to him, "Oh, you're back." Not exactly a ticker tape parade that.
So, here we are, all these years later. In a couple weeks, my fourth novel, Loving, will come out from Pharaoh Press.
In it there are four battle scenes: one from the Meuse Argonne; one from Anzio, a "real life" situation that plagued my deceased father-in-law until he passed on, so that one is for you, Sgt. Tony.
The third one came from my memories of the Korean snow and was written with my medic buddy, Harry Kieninger. who served at Cu Chi. This one is for you Grandpop Dick, and for all of your buddies who did not hear a resounding Welcome Home at the time. We thank you for your service. Welcome Home.
The last scene is in the tunnels at Cu Chi, a place that has been called the most devastated battlefield in the history of warfare.
To all of you, who served in all these endless wars, thank you for your service, and Welcome Home.
To those of you in active service, our prayers are with you.
History is our heritage. Knowing it impacts on our future. Not knowing it hampers our development.
We cannot teach "feel good" history, not "Pastology." It does us no good.
To understand and build our future, we must know our roots.
Our concern, as always, is with those at the front. Our prayers are with them all the time.
Questions are being raised, serious questions, about Iraq, its future, and our future there.
Summer started just a few days ago and the tv is filled with ads for the traditional forms of fun in the sun.
The daylight lasts longer; the barbecues are lit, the pools filled, the boats gased up. Well, for some of us. For others not so fortunate, the summer heat sizzles in the cities, old cars boil over.
And for over 160,000 of our women and men summer brings active service in combat areas. For some of them, summer never came.
Let us not forget them.
Our two missing soliders have been found - dead.
The "insurgency" continues.
The questions grow stronger.
My son came across this site and thought some of you might be interested:
Vietnam Database.
There are a few very special names in the world of the theater: Bette Davis, Cary Grant, Jimmy Stewart and Kate Hepburn.
She was her own point man.
She blazed her own trail.
Her forthrightness, her honesty, her great talent will be so missed.
The search is still on for the missing WMD's.
Questions are being asked of the administration and of the Intelligence community while our troops are in place facing the insurgence.
It is truly a day to celebrate freedom!
It is a day to offer thanks and prayers for those who have given all to protect it.
It is a day to remember that now those who served, who are serving, deserve not only your thanks, but your active support.
With active commitments in Iraq, Afghanistan, the Balkans, intervention of US Troops is being considered in Liberia.
We are 227 years old as a country now.
It was said around the world that it couldn't be done. That representative government of the kind outlined could not work.
It works.
How well it works is up to the people and our involvement in its daily functioning.
What does the word PATRIOT mean to you?
Do you consider yourself a PATRIOT?
Is that a mind-set word or an action word to you?
During WWII, one of the signs of Patriotism was having a Victory Garden. From an old radio AD:
You can have vegetables lots of them on your table next winter.
You can have your own fresh vegetables on your table this summer, if you have
your own Victory Garden.
Yes, there's no restriction on home canning and home processing of vegetables and
garden fruits and berries.
Plan your Victory Garden now.
Get your garden plot lined up.
Get the advice of a garden expert if you need it and be prepared to Grow Your
Own for Victory.
Join a Garden Club or a Community Garden Movement, or share a garden with
your neighbor.
You can help win the battle of food production You can help our fighting men get
the food they need.
You can help save the vital metals used in commercial canning if You Grow Your
Own Your Own Victory Garden in 1943.
For further information write to :
Victory Gardens
Washington, D.C.
Victory Gardens
Washington, D.C.
If Patriotism is an action word, what acts of patriotism were counted as such by non-combatants during the wars in Korea, Vietnam, Desert Storm, and the current engagements?
What support was/is given to the troops from the homefront?
What exactly does the word mean?
Consider too that those with whom one is engaged have their own definition of the word.
And while we are thinking about that one, can anyone come up with a workable definition of STATESMAN?
If you have some ideas about these words, write to me at FEEDBACK above and share them with us. If you want what you say posted, please so indicate that and how you would like it signed.
Once in awhile we come across a piece of writing that truly speaks to us; that truly 'says it like it is.'
Some of our most dearly treasured freedoms are those of Freedom Of Speech and Freedom of the Press.
Two of those so precious freedoms come together in the words of Al Martinez, columnist for the Los Angeles Times in an article we all would do well to read. Join the LA Times and Al
at Al Martinez:As Americans, we have the inherent right to disagree.
The costs of maintaining an American presence in Iraq continue to grow.
The troops will remain for the "foreseeable future."
Join the New York Times and THOM SHANKER at:Rumsfeld Doubles Estimate for Cost of Troops in Iraq.
The stories are out there about chemical tests on military personnel during the cold war.
For information on investigations concerning them visit the New York Times and Thom Shanker: Investigations of Chemicals Will Continue
By THOM SHANKER.
Despite the recent differences between the Bush Administration and the French, our two countries have a long, shared history. That is particularly evident here in Louisiana.
On July 14 the French celebrate Bastille Day.
Last year the Military Academy at West Point was decorated with the Legion of Honor for its service to France in WWI.
Senator Byrd refers to hearing the word "quagmire" coming up more and more frequently.
He expresses his opinion on the current situation in Iraq. I am wondering what opinions you have.
You may click on "FEEDBACK" and let me know if you wish.
From Alternet and Senator Byrd: We Must Ask the World for Help on Iraq By Sen. Robert Byrd July 11, 2003.
Monday morning I found a distress call from a Vietnam Vet living in a world of pain, alone.
I called the DVA for help. They were gracious, caring, and helpful giving me what I needed for him to get connected with help.
They are there for you.
In August, the 15th through the 19th, they have a convention here in New Orleans.
When I read Thom Shanker's article from the New York Times this morning, I got a definite feeling of dejavu.
Yearlong Tours an Option for 'Guerrilla' War in Iraq.
From the Washington Post and By Kevin Sullivan: 'Weekend Warriors' No More
National Guard's Expanded Role in Iraq Combines Risky Duties, Long Deployment.
As the days pass, as the reconstruction goes on, the numbers of losses of our troops increases.
The most recent from the 101: From the New York Times and KIRK SEMPLE 3 More U.S. Soldiers Killed in Iraq as Resistance Continue.
When we send people to a war zone individual faces get lost in the photos of collective troops.
The Times Picayune of New Orleans offers a Troop Tribute where you can submit a photo of your loved one on active duty.
For each of these photos there is an individual life,loved ones, hopes, and dreams. Our prayers are with each and everyone of you.
The Faces of our Troops.
The letters KIA indicate loss; a life ended, those close shattered. As the numbers climb, the grief swells and ripples.
The New York Times and Sarah Kershaw report the grief of the family of one Marine from Oregon who is not coming home. We all share their grief.
A Marine Is Killed in Iraq, and Grief Ripples at Home.
Sunday, July 27, 2003 brought us two landmarks.
We mourn the passing of Bob Hope whose USO shows brought hope into hell.
From the New York Times and the late Vincent Canby: Bob Hope, Comedic Master and Entertainer of Troops, Dies at 100.
Bob, thanks for the memories. Go with God.
It also marked the 50th Anniversary of the Korean War Armistice.
Two questions:
Is there a Veterans' Memorial Park in your town?
What kind of condition is it in?
The US did not enter WWI until the spring of 1917. In January of that year, Woodrow Wilson made a proposal about the peace that would come at the end of the war.
The Versailles Treaty was a punitive peace and it can be said that the years between 1919 and 1939 were simply years of armistice. It is also being said, and I concur, that WWI did not have to happen. The First World War.
Can you even begin to imagine the course of the last century if it had not? That could provide you with some interesting What IF scenarios for writing.
We can learn from history if we choose to.
This link for a slide show was sent to me today.
It speaks for itself.
Remember the Blood of Heroes.
Live the questions now.
Rainer Maria Rilke
Each day the headlines rattle with angst, with fear, with anger, threats, counter threats, with negatives. A daily dose can leave you wondering, Has anything good, positive happened anywhere today? But if we stop to ask that question, we already know the answer is an affirmative. Yet how often do we hear of, or acknowledge the positive? the giving, the service rendered unconditionally?
In 2000, according to the USDA, 10.5% of US Households ( 20 million adults, and 13 million children) were "food insecure" because of a lack of resources.
Of these, the food insecurity of 3.3 million was enough to classify them as "hungry." 5.6 million adults and 2.7 million children lived in these hungry households.
Were you aware of that?
Are these "food insecure" people in your neighborhood?
How can you help?
Food Research Action Center.
Marilyn Knapp, webmistress of Tim O'Brien, Novelist
www.AuthorTimOBrien.com. notes that some areas and colleges are making The Things They Carried community reading.
Join Marilyn at Tim O'Brien, Novelist. for discussions of O'Brien's novels, short stories, appearances, etc. Those of you who know his work will enjoy the interviews, short stories, and biography. Those of you who do not yet know O'Brien's work will find some very interesting and important reading.
More and more areas and universities are beginning to take seriously the work of Vietnam writers and to treat their work as an integral part of American Literature. This appreciation of this body of work will help to lead to the long awaited Welcome Home.
Go to Tim O'Brien, Novelist. and learn about The Things They Carried.
Marines Deployed in Liberia. Remy Benoit
From the San Francisco Chronicle and Glenn McKenzie, Associated Press Writer: Seven-member Marine team deploys in Liberia's capital, marking first U.S. troops on ground
GLENN McKENZIE, Associated Press Writer.
For a history of Liberia: Liberian History.
August 7, 1942. Remy Benoit
A Guadalcanal Chronology 7 August 1942 - 6 March 1943.
Former Vice President Al Gore. Remy Benoit
The fundamentals of democracy include free speech and open debate. From Al Gore at MoveOn.org: Al Gore.
For who is supporting an independent commission on information concerning Iraq's weapons of mass destruction: Who's With Us?.
Intelligence and Iraq. Remy Benoit
The assessments, the commentaries continue on the potentiality of Iraqi weaponry.
From CIA Director Tenet and the Washington Post:Written Statement From CIA Director Tenet.
From Washington Post Writers Barton Gellman and Walter Pincus: Depiction of Threat Outgrew Supporting Evidence.
Thought for the Day. Remy Benoit
From Henry Beston:
One's first appreciation is a sense that the creation is still going on, that the creative forces are as great and as active today as they have ever been, and that tomorrow's morning will be as heroic as any of the world. Creation is here and now.
More Troops to Liberia. Remy Benoit
More US Troops to Liberia.
From the Washington Post and Bradley Graham: U.S. to Send 200 Troops To Liberia.
To learn about the operations of Navy Seals, visit: Naval Special Warfare Command.
Canadian Army Overseas in WWIII. Remy Benoit
Join Stan Scislowski, author of Not All of Us Were Brave, and his comrades at: Stan's Page: Reflections on Service With the Canadian Army Overseas. for an interesting and wonderfully presented account of the service of Canadians in World War II.
Propsed budget cuts for those in active combat and their families???.
Veterans for Common Sense.
From Veterans for Common Sense.
VCS Action Alert: Administration to cut pay for combat troops
Charles Sheehan-Miles.
All is NOT quiet on the Afghanistan Front. Remy Benoit
We have 8,500 US Forces in Afghanistan on active duty.
From the Times Picayune of New Orleans and the AP Press: Afghan insurgents fight police; 22 killed.
Vacation? Maybe, maybe not. Remy Benoit
Join Joe Robinson of Alternet.org for : Vacation Starvation.
How We Cope In Times of Stress. Remy Benoit
I came upon an interesting article in the Washington Post this morning by Jackie Spinner about "Flash Mobs."
I recall "Be-Ins," "Sit-Ins," massive protests and demonstrations.
Flash Mobs seem to be a new twist, a new way of expressing stress, societal fragmentation.
Death and Transition to Peace. Remy Benoit
From the New Orleans Times - Picayune this morning two stories reach out to us.
New Orleans buries Staff Sgt. Taft Virgil Williams its first casualty of the Iraqi war: Farewell Salute
by Tara Young.
And a story about Navy Lt. Cmdr. José Lavastida, a Navy Chaplin trying to help the soldiers make a peaceful transition to peace and home: Spiritual Oasis by James Varney.
Veterans Administration.
From Veterans for Common Sense, a letter from VA Head to employees: VA Secretary Promises to Care for Recently Wounded War Veterans Anthony Principi
Department of Veterans Affairs.
Anniversary of the Liberation of Paris. Remy Benoit
For a history of the Liberation of Paris go to:
Liberation of Paris.
The Last Weekend of Summer: Labor Day Weekend. Remy Benoit
School is already in session here. If it is not where you are, it will be next week.
Businesses are already gearing up for their Labor Day Sales.
But how many of us are aware of what Labor Day means?
The history of labor making gains for workers in this country is full of strife, often overt violence, and much heartache.
So, while you are grilling the burgers and dogs, toasting the marshmallows, give some thought to those who fought so long and hard so you were not working 7 days a week for $3.50.
The Writing Life: A Personal Note. Remy Benoit
Some folks have a romanticized view of "the writing life," perhaps seeing it as inspirational walks through rose gardens (well, yes, sometimes); as visits to old plantation houses ( those too, sometimes); as quiet, solitude, words flowing and heart glowing. Well, that too, sometimes.
There is the old view of the writer, banging away at a manual typewriter in the "wee small hours of the morning," cigarette, booze balanced so the keys can be hit.
Ukrainians and Poles replace the 3d Battalion, 23rd Marines in Iraq.
From James Varney and The Times Picayune of New Orleans: Change of Command.
Tropic Lightning News. Remy Benoit
Join at: Kirk Ramsey. for remembrances of his time in Vietnam, Tales of a War Far Away; for his 2/14 Vet Finder; for the wonderful pencil drawings he shares with us; for issues of Tropic Lightning News; and so much more.
If you have copies of Tropic Lightning News that he has not found yet, do help out and let him know. You too can share and help fill in the missing issues.
How is US Labor doing on Labor Day. Remy Benoit
These are the stats from the US Labor Force on unemployment this summer: United States Labor Force Statistics Seasonally Adjusted (in thousands) 1978 - Present.
Attacks on US Personnel Rising in Iraq . Remy Benoit
Despite the war being declared officially ended in May, attacks on US personnel are on the rise in Iraq.
Join the Washington Post at:
Report: Attacks on U.S. Personnel in Iraq Rising By Vernon LoebWashington Post Staff Writer
Tuesday, September 2, 2003; 10:18 AM.
Number of Wounded in Action on Rise
Iraq Toll Reflects Medical Advances, Resistance Troops Face By Vernon Loeb Washington Post Staff Writer Tuesday, September 2, 2003; Page A01.
Bush Seeks Larger UN role in Iraq. Remy Benoit
From the Washington Post: U.S. Wants Larger U.N. Role in Iraq
More Peacekeeping Forces to Be Sought By Mike Allen and Vernon Loeb Washington Post Staff Writers Wednesday, September 3, 2003; Page A01.
Registered to Vote?. Remy Benoit
"Whatever America hopes to bring to pass in the world must first come to pass in the heart of America."
The cornerstone of our system of government is the franchise.
Thousands of years of history went into the idea of voting.
If you need to register: Voter Registration.
You don't even have to leave home to do it!
Expected request for more funding for Iraq. Remy Benoit
From the Washington Post:
Hill Braces For Iraq Request Lawmakers Want Details From Bush By Mike Allen and Thomas E. Ricks
Washington Post Staff Writers
Friday, September 5, 2003; Page A01.
and from David Ignatius of the Post:
Letting Iraq Save Itself By David Ignatius
Friday, September 5, 2003; Page A21.
Those Who Serve. Remy Benoit
What is wrong with this word picture? This is the reality for our Veterans.
From the New Orleans Times Picayune:
Veterans may lose benefits battle VA funding unlikely to restore cut services Saturday September 06, 2003 By Bruce Alpert Washington bureau.
Down history lane ( and be advised General Patton used strong language):General George S. Patton's Speech to the Third Army - the Unabridged Edition Somewhere in England June 5th, 1944.
A "Marine's Marine" General Ray Davis.
From the Atlanta Journal-Constitution: Warriors remember Ray Davis By TY TAGAMI.
Bush Speech, September 7, 2003.
President Bush.
For reactions to speech:
From Nebraska and the Star-Journal:
Nebraska delegation has mixed reaction to Bush address.
From Virginia the AP Press and the Virgina Pilot:
Bush Seeks $87B in Anti-Terror Funds By TERENCE HUNT
AP White House Correspondent.
From The Manchester Guardian:
Fear of $80bn Iraq bill moves Bush to address nation
Rory McCarthy in Baghdad, Duncan Campbell in Los Angeles and Richard Norton-Taylor Monday September 8, 2003.
National PTA. Remy Benoit
With school back in session, here is a link that can prove valuable to parents: National PTA.
International Day of Peace September 21. Remy Benoit
A United Nations resolution in 1981 established the International Day of Peace.
It was first celebrated September 1982.
For information on how you can take part: International Day of Peace.
Voices from Abroad.
From the BBC and Frank Gardner
BBC security correspondent: Is the US winning its war on terror?.
From Australia, the Sydney Morning Herald and Christopher Kremmer and staff reporters try to make sense of the Iraq conflict: The unanswered questions.
My Name is Peace. Remy Benoit
Let us all, all over the world, reflect on this terrible anniversary.
It has been said that we will be judged by the world we leave our children, and grandchildren.
Like all else, we have choice in that too.
Let us learn from our history on the planet so that we may buid a future.
But I am just one person, what can I do?. Remy Benoit
Each journey starts with the first step.
To do this, you don't have to move anything but your finger on your mouse: The Hunger Site.
From there just follow that still small voice within.
Alerts and Vigils.
From CNN online:
U.S. issues terror alert on 9/11.
Vigils mark 9/11 anniversary.
What Has Changed?. John Hathaway
The buildings are still torn asunder, though the rubble’s been cleared away.
The emptiness still echoes with the screams of witnesses, and those that fell on that sad day.
Apprehension is still very much alive, though familiar, it’s like carrying a pocket of sand;
barely noticeable, out of sight, but then some seeps out, and we’re made aware all over again.
Have our hearts changed? Have our souls’ eyes been opened to the suffering everywhere?
Have our habits changed? Have we finally learned to listen with our spirits and care?
Do we still cherish the laughter of our little ones, hold them closer and tight to our chest?
Have we learned to pray peace for everyone, ask for the ending of all unrest?
Are You Aware That..... Remy Benoit
5.9 million US mothers with very young or school age children do not have health insurance?
Millions of mothers lack health insurance coverage in the United States. Most uninsured mothers lack access both to employer-based coverage and to publicly subsidized health insurance.Guyer J, Broaddus M, Dude A.
Medical -- Hepatitis C Information Hepatitis C, a blood-borne virus, is now appearing in an alarming number of Vietnam vets after lying dormant for years. By Allison Wright Reprinted from the VFW Magazine, June 1999.
Kinda hard to swallow: Billing Wounded GI's for meals in hospitals. Remy Benoit
I came across this article in Stars and Stripes.
What are your reactions to this?
If you would like, send them to me and I will post here. Please remember that this site is for all age groups. A lot of school age children visit, so speak your piece with that in mind.
Congressman: Wounded troops shouldn't be billed for hospital meals
By Sandra Jontz, Stars and Stripes
European edition, Friday, September 12, 2003.
I am also sending e-mails to the leading potentials for presidential candidacy, asking for their reactions to this to be sent here.
Feedback. Remy Benoit
On the subject of charging soldiers for meals in hospitals.
$87 Billion. Remy Benoit
$87 Billion is a lot of money.
There is already much heated debate over this figure.
But for the average Jane and Joe, it is a number that is hard to comprehend.
If your home cost $100,000 that leaves $869,999,900. To get a handle on the number, put it in your calculator, subtract you annual costs, educating your children, and your pension figures. Round off a possible number for health care as you age and subtract that too.
Is the number still to high to grasp in family terms?
Then visit TomPaine.com for What $87 Billion Can Buy from The Center for American Progress is a nonpartisan research and educational institute based in Washington, D.C.
and WorkingforChange.com for:Russell Mokhiber CommonDreams.org
09.12.03 Other things you might do with $87 billion A dollar doesn't go as far as it used to -- but 87,000,000,000 of them do.
And I ask the question again, Why are our combat soldiers asked to pay for meals in hospitals? Yes, they have a subsistence allowance for meals normally, but isn't a combat injury an abnormal situation?
Let's here from you, and the potential candidates.
Wounded in Iraq, Deserted at Home
By Bill Berkowitz, WorkingForChange.com
September 12, 2003.
Which Way Does the Wind Blow?. Remy Benoit
Hurricane Isabel seemss to be headed for the North Carolina coast. Her winds have diminished to
115 mph but she is not just a lady coming to call.
If you are in the projected path, do take all precautions. Our prayers are with you.
Projected Path of Isabel.
There are also political winds blowing this morning. I got an e-mail asking me to vote yes or no on the possibility of Hilary Clinton for President. Do you have an opinion on that?
Remember That Pay Cut? Combat Pay for Soldiers in Iraq Expires September 30 Liam M. Truchard Springfield News-Leader (Missouri).
Which ever way the "winds" blow, we share the planet.
Visit with our co-habitors at:
World Wildlife Fund. They have some lovely free e-cards for you.
The Rainforest Site. Each click at the site saves
11.4 square feet of endangered rainforest.
Global Wildlife Center.
Another Hat in the Ring and this one with 4 stars. Remy Benoit
It is campaign time again.
With 8 Democrats already seeking the nomination, the retired general from Arkansas is to throw his hat in the ring today.
Clark Will Announce Run for Presidency
Retired General Joins 9 Democrats in Race
By Jim VandeHei Washington Post Staff Writer
Wednesday, September 17, 2003; Page A01.
For information on the other candidates, check out the side bar on the page.
General to the Rescue? By Howard Kurtz Washington Post Staff Writer Wednesday, September 17, 2003; 8:55 AM.
For the Gentlemen. Remy Benoit
I came across this article from the AP Press in the Boston Globe and thought I would pass it along.
Prostate cancer linked to protein By Associated Press, 9/17/2003.
British Viewpoints from the Manchester Guardian. Remy Benoit
The question of the WMD's and of Saddam's connections with terrorists have yet to be resolved. Visit with the Manchester Guardian for some ideas from the United Kingdom on these topics.
Manchester Guardian.
Combat Pay. Remy Benoit
If you are interested in what is being done to secure the raise in combat pay that is being threatened , visit Senator Tom Daschle Introduces Bill to Grant Soldiers Combat Pay
Senator Tom Daschle United States Senate>
You may inform the Senator about your feelings from the link on the page.
They are there for us, let us be there for them.
Support Our Troops.
From TomPaine.com and Steve Robinson, Director of National Gulf War Resource Center: Support Our Troops.
National Gulf War Resource Center.
Southerners and the Military. Remy Benoit
I came across these articles in the Miami Herald and thought you would find them of interest:
Posted on Wed, Sep. 17, 2003 South giving most to war
Death toll from Mississippi twice the U.S. average
By PATRICK PETERSON The Biloxi (Miss.) Sun Herald.
Posted on Fri, Sep. 19, 2003 FLORIDA SOLDIERS Senator presses for service 'equity'U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson tries to use his power to get National Guard and Army Reserve soldiers brought home sooner from Iraq. BY PHIL LONG.
Voices of Dissent. Remy Benoit
One of the freedoms which we wish to protect here at home, and to put into place in Iraq, is freedom of speech.
Increasingly, voices are being raised in dissent concerning the war with Iraq.
Let this be said, that no matter what position is taken on the war, the soldiers who serve are US. When they come home, as they come home, be sure that you WELCOME them home. We must never go where we went before.
Say HEY to a soldier: Dear Member of the US Military.
Senator Kennedy: Bush's Iraq War Based on 'Fraud' Steve LaBlanc
Reuters http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=536&ncid=536&e=2&u=/ap/20030918/ap_on_go_co/kennedy_iraq Posted 9/19/2003 12:30:00 PM.
White House Ambushed by Criticism from America's Military Community
Andrew Gumbel Independent (UK) http://news.independent.co.uk/world/middle_east/story.jsp?story=445128 Posted 9/19/2003 9:49:00 PM.
Bring Them Home Now.
Senator Tom Daschle Introduces Bill to Grant Soldiers Combat Pay
Senator Tom Daschle United States Senate
http://thomas.loc.gov Posted 9/17/2003 9:50:00 PM>
Iraqi Economics.
From the AP Press and Nola.com Iraqi council announced plans to open all sectors of economy except oil to foreign investors
By PAUL GEITNER The Associated Press
9/21/03 8:53 AM.
It is about our children. Remy Benoit
I have long been an advocate of local schools, with parental involvement. They are places where you really get to know the students, and their families.
Way back when, I taught in a small middle school; about 25 on the faculty and 250 students. It was a close knit community for the young people. Each year their mothers would make a big luncheon for the faculty. We knew the parents, and they knew us.
Can that be said for regional schools, where the young people are bused 15-20+ miles? Where there are school populations of above 2000?
Sure, I am a first year Boomer - there were 1100 in my graduating class - Northeast High in Philly - 122! - but there was still a small school atmosphere, despite the rotating schedules, etc.
Young people need community, guidance, and support. It is 7:48 AM Central time...do you know where your children are? Do you know if they had breakfast, or what they are wearing today? Do you know their teachers' names, the subjects they are taking?
Here's a big one - do you know their friends?
Bill Gates is doing something about the small school thing: From the Washington Post and William Raspberry: Environmentally Challenged By William Raspberry
Monday, September 22, 2003; Page A23.
New homework help? Your school should have a Homework Hotline. This one can help too: The BeeHive School.
A Mother's Voice: Nancy Lessin,. Remy Benoit
There are many positions on the war with Iraq.
This is one mother's voice. In it, there are some things that are disturbing, no matter what your position on the current involvement.
Bring Our Children Home Now
By Nancy Lessin, AlterNet September 22, 2003.
Iraqi Reconstruction and HomeFront News.
From Alan Fram and the AP Press at Nola.com:
AP: Bush paper details Iraq spending plan.
From Barry Schweid and the AP Press at Nola.com:
Bush challenges, cajoles U.N. for backing.
On the HomeFront: From Curt Anderson and the AP Press at Nola.com: Ashcroft limits prosecutor discretion.
From H.Josef Hebert and the AP Press at Nola.com;
GOP puts Arctic oil in draft energy bill.
For more on the Arctic Wildlife Preserve: Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.
Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.
Vietnamese to Open File on MIA's.
From CNN.com and ReutersVietnam opens files in MIA hunt.
Questions About Testing for Military Health.
From the Hartford Courant;Soldiers' Medical Testing Faulted Future Health Claims At Stake, Critics Say September 22, 2003
By THOMAS D. WILLIAMS, Courant Staff Writer.
Writing it Home. Remy Benoit
Words have power; great power.
In times of stress, in time of decision making, we can find our way to clarity of thought through the use of words.
Watching the news, reading the headline stories can cause much angst and generate feelings of "I am only one person, what can I do?" As Margaret Mead once pointed out, everything of world changing proportions began with the work of a few.
We don't always want to do things of world changing proportions. Sometimes we want to clarify things for ourselves. We can find our way through words. And yet, in changing our personal world, we change the whole world.
Currently we are being besieged with those who would like to run for President, with news from active combat fronts, with climatic problems, with research for "bunker busters," with AIDS, with a whole list of things tough to make decisions about.
When these things start to overwhelm, writing it out, writing out your feelings, your visceral reactions to them, can help you clarify your thinking and center you to make rational rather than emotional, decisions.
A simple question to ask yourself about a candidate for the highest national office is a basic one: would I want this person to babysit my chldren? Now that seems at first thought perhaps absurd, but is that not what we do when we elect someone to the Presidency? He, and one day she, becomes the care giver for the nation. When you listen to a candidate, what kind of care giving are you hearing about?
More questions follow.
Election 2004.
Time Election 2004.
"You're Never Too Old". Remy Benoit
I came upon this woman's voice on line this morning...born in 1910 and still letting her position be known, putting her actions behind her words.
Meet "Granny D" Worthy Dreams Doris 'Granny D' Haddock, GrannyD.com September 23, 2003.
Granny D.
Proposed Expenditures.
From CNN.com Senate GOP readies $87 billion Iraq bill that follows Bush request
Frist seeks approval by week's end>
From the Washington Post.com Congress Likely to Add to War Request
Lawmakers' Priorities Probably Will Push Bush Proposal Beyond $87 Billion By Jonathan Weisman
Washington Post Staff Writer.
About Baseline Medical Records.
From Tom Paine.com Deserting Our Troops Steven Rosenfeld.
From Congress' General Accounting Office - please note this is a PDF file.Defense Health Care.
Energy Bill.
From Fox News.com Lawmakers Add Fuel to Energy Bill By Liza Porteus>
From the Alternative Energy Insitute: Alternative Energy.
And if you think you had a rough day, read the Autobiography of Mother Jones.
The American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial. Remy Benoit
When we send people to war some of them come home disabled for life.
We don't like to think about that, but it is the reality.
The reality is there are 2.3 million disabled Veterans in the United States today. From Vietnam alone there are 815,000. We did not do too well at welcoming them home.
If you can help build this Memorial, or just want to learn more and pass it along to someone who can, visit:Disabled Veterans Life Memorial.
The Year Ahead for the Supreme Court .
From the Washington Post:
Pledge of Allegiance Case Tops Docket in New Court Term By Charles Lane.
For a history of the
Pledge of Allegiance.
From a look at Francis Bellamy: The Pledge of Allegiance A Short History by Dr. John W. Baer.
Understanding Each Other. Remy Benoit
Two of the world's religions celebrate their Holy Days this month.
If we are to gain understanding of each other so we may learn cooperation and compassion we must learn of each other and dispel the myths of history.
For the Jewish people, Yom Kippur starts this evening. To understand the Holy Day, please visit: Yom Kippur. The traditional greeting is May you be well recorded in the Book.
To learn about the esoteric teachings of Jewish mysticism that are now being graciously shared with the world, please visit: Kabbalah.
The Moslems will be celebrating at the end of the month the Holy Days of Ramadan. For an understanding of Ramadan, please visit: Ramadan.The traditional greeting is Ramadan Mubarak.
Any dream we can dream, we can realize, if we learn to act rather than to re-act. Understanding each other, cooperation, and compassion are dreams that can be realized.
Confusions, Intentions, Realities.
After a twenty year absence, Yasmine Bahrani, an editor at USA Today, went home to Baghdad. Read her account of her visit at the Washington Post:After Shock Following a 20-year exile, her return to Iraq was a minefield By Yasmine Bahrani.
Lifeline for Young Adults. Remy Benoit
Sometimes life seems heavy. There are problems that seem to have no resolution.
But there are resolutions to all problems.
When we are young the problems seem overwhelming.
When we are young there often seems to be no help available.
Do you have a problem?
Do you think talking about it one on one is more than you can handle at this time?
Do you want help?
Now there is help online. It is a good place to start.
U Life Line.
Please get help if you are in crisis. There is only one you, and we all need you.
Have you looked out the window?. Remy Benoit
Autumn is here.
Have you taken the time to notice?
With urbanization we too often fail to take note of the seasonal changes other than to grab a sweater or a coat on the way out the door.
Give yourself a treat and stop for a moment just to appreciate the spectacular show the trees are putting on for you.
When the kids start asking why the leaves change color, here is an interesting and informative piece from Paul Vang of Butte, Montana, and the Montana Standard. Trees turning terrific.
Why did I pick Butte for this?
That is where my granny was born, way back in 1895.
Butte has an interesting history. Check it out at: Butte Montana - A Mining Camp's History.
Enjoy the harvest season and think about the times when we lived by the seasons. It will add focus to your life.
Civilian Administration and the Military.
From the Thomas E. Ricks and the Washington Post: Defense Official Moves to Ease Strained Relations With Army
By Thomas E. Ricks.
For Those of You Interested in Folklife. Remy Benoit
History is in the recording of the day lives and ways of people; their experiences, individual and collective.
For those of you interested in Folk Ways: American Folklife Center.
Up Close and Personal. Remy Benoit
Do you have friends or family in active service?
Does your local paper have a way for you to communicate with them?
Keep in mind, when you hear numbers of troops serving each number represents a real person, with a real family. Each number is a life with real dreams, goals, and aspirations. Keep each one in your prayers.
If your local paper isn't providing a way for you to communicate, show them this site from the Hammond, Louisiana Daily Star to motivate them.
Military Guestbook.
The Casualties of War. Remy Benoit
Last night the Democratic hopefuls squared off on CNN defending their positions on a variety of topics, including the Iraqi encounter. They were critical of the way things have gone in this pre-emptive war. The Administration holds to its position and defends it while reorganizing the Stabilization of Iraq under the leadership of Ms. Rice.
These are the casualties on the Front Lines. From CNN Special Report: War in Iraq: Forces: U.S. & Coalition/Casualties. We need to look at these soldiers who have given all. If we cannot look at those who have made the ultimate sacrifice, how can we look in the mirror?
We grieve as a nation for them, and with their families.
We can honor their ultimate sacrifice, as well as they sacrifice of those injured and disabled, by being aware of what is transpiring, by asking questions and demanding answers; by caring for the wounded, both physically and psychologically; and by being informed voters; and by going to the polls when the time comes.
For more on last night's debate and related issues:
American Friends Service Committee .
The American Friends Service Committe was formed during World War I for conscientious objectors. It has a long history of alternative service.
Some of its members have been in Iraq for months now. You may see their reports: Iraq Aftermath: the Human Face of War.
Voices.
From the Washington Post and Dana Milbank and Walter Pincus: Cheney Goes on Offensive Over Iraq Unyielding Speech Is Designed to Regain Support>
From Vote No War: I Vote To Bring the Troops Home Now.
From the AP Press, the Times Picayune and By Edith M. Lederer:Annan in discussions on getting revised U.S. resolution on Iraq.
From the AP Press, the Philadelphia Inquirer and
Sonya Ross: Bush says he'll get tougher on Cuba.
From the Philadelphia Inquirer and Stephan Salisbury concerning our Liberty Bell: Bell's move resonates harmony, decorum.
Military Families Speak Out.
The Hijab and School Authorities. Remy Benoit
Nashala "Tallah" Hern is 11 years old and a sixth grader in Oklahoma City.
She has been suspended from school for wearing her hijab, the traditional headress called for by her Muslim faith.
The district has a rule about not wearing head gear, ie. hats, etc., to prevent gang identity problems.
Tallah is not a gang member. She is a little girl practicing her faith. Where is "no child left behind" in this?
As a teacher for many years I have seen so much inflexibility in school authorities. It is incongruous that we fight to bring freedom of choice to a Muslim country while we deny a child the right to wear the hijab here in school.
For the full story visit Muslim girl suspended for head scarf.
If multi-culturalism is the platform in our schools then we must allow for its expression.
Come Sunday. Remy Benoit
Some things to be pondering this Sunday.
From CNN.com Parents: Special ed kids used as janitors.
Parent Training and Information Centers and Community Parent Resource Centers.
No Child Left Behind Resources.
From Betsy Hart, the Scripps Howard News Service and the Montana Standard: Yes, it's OK to tell the kids ‘no'.
From the AP Press and the Times Picayune: Huge explosion rocks central Baghdad outside hotel occupied by Americans.
Room to Read: Cambodian Literacy Program Needs Help.
From the Bangor Daily News in Maine: Are 'regionalized' schools better? Evidence says no. And hey, having taught in both, smaller schools, WITH parental involvement are better!
United States Navy.
October 13, 1775 marked the birth of the United States Navy.
Visit with our Navy at: United States Navy.
My Daddy was a Navy medic in World War II.
Happy Birthday, United States Navy!
Mercenaries in the "Wild West" .
From Veterans for Common Sense: UK Mercenaries Flood Iraq to "Protect" Foreign Companies Andrew Alderson Telegraph (UK).
Doc, "Friendly Fire" and Injured Soldiers.
“DOC!”
When the mouth of hell opened and the savage teeth of the insatiable gods of war started
tearing apart flesh that once suckled at a mother’s breast, that once rode piggy back on
dad’s shoulders, that once threw a baseball, or knew its first kiss, or never had time to, it
was “DOC” who was screamed for.
And Doc, how many Docs in how many wars, came to do whatever could be done. Some came carrying weapons, others ministered without personal weapons, but they came in the thick of the fog of war and did their utmost to save lives. They did what they could, loaded evac helicopters or trucks or litters or anything else that would move the injured from the field.
They rejoiced when their charges made it through; they live, each and everyday and each
and every night, with those who didn’t, always wondering “...if I coulda...would it have
made a difference?”
I have not talked with one who doesn’t still care, who doesn’t still most nights, wander
those battle fields, always looking to do more, paining that they couldn’t have done more
then.
But they haven’t forgotten those who made it back. They are aware of those who made it
back with physical, with psychological injuries and they are still answering the call...”DOC, we still need you there fighting for us.”
Joe Ohnstad, Career Military - Medic, (67/68as Combat Medi with the 13th Combat Aviation,Can Tho, VN/ 71/72 as Medical Adviser, Military Advisory Team 29, Phn Cat, VN) is a Retired Master Sergeant, still heeding the call and asking for YOUR help. This time it is for care of those who gave so much. This time it is for taking care of them now.
This time it is for fulfilling what I call Our Covenant: Be There for US and WE will be
There for YOU.
In this article, originally published in The High Plains Reader, May 8, 03 Joe asks us for
our support to help those who put it on the line for us, who are TODAY, putting it on the
line for us. They are US whatever your feelings on the current engagement.
This Doc feels strongly about what he feels is right for our soldiers who gave so much.
He has a few words for you on meals for injured soldiers, but I think you should be aware
that this is a man with a history of service that includes Four Bronze Star Medals,
including V Device for Heroism; Purple Heart, Meritorious Service Medal; Four Army
Commendations Medals; Six Good Conduct Medals; Vietnamese Civic Action Medal;
Vietnamese Technical Medal; Expert Field Medical Badge; Aircraft Crewman Badge. He is a man who did and does care.
From Joe on the subject of Meals for Injured Soldiers:
This Time the Marines NEED YOU. Remy Benoit
The Marines have been answering the call since 1775.
This time they need YOU to answer their call.
They would like to build a National Museum in Quantico, Virginia, and eventually an even larger Heritage Center. This is a combined effort of the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation and the United States Marine Corps.
You know what it takes to build. It takes money, so let's open up those wallets and purses and show them that we stand behind them on this endeavor, just as they have always stood for us.
Join them atMarine Heritage.
Endangered Species and Water.
From Alternet, Michael Winship, and the Messenger Post Newspapers in Upstate New York: Tigers,Bears and Bush.
War/Budget Opposition. Remy Benoit
On October 25, 2003 massive anti-war demonstrations are planned world wide.
One of the groups in opposition to the current engagement is Vote No War.
Freedom of speech is one of the basic tenets of our land. The budget vote is coming this week. What is your position on the disposition of $87 billion dollars?
In the News.
From the Washington Post
and Colum Lynch : U.S. Gets Backing for More U.N. Aid in Iraq By Colum Lynch.
and Bradley Graham and Dana Milbank: Many Troops Dissatisfied, Iraq Poll Finds.
From the AP Press and the Times Picayune: Germany, France, Russia to OK resolution.
From the Guardian and Sophie Arie in Pompeii:Crowds throng Pompeii for a glimpse of Pope.
From CNN.com
China reveals space station plan.
and the AP Press House approves sanctions on Syria.
and Casey Wian Some educators take issue with textbooks.
and Muslim doll offers modest alternative to Barbie.
and from Bill Mears Supreme Court accepts Pledge of Allegiance case.
The Environment, Ecology, and the Election.
For some interesting ideas, polls, voting records, etc. visit with Grist Magazine.
Stars and Stripes and the US.
Stars and Stripes: The American Soldiers'Newspaper of World War I.
Messages of Support.
"Serving Those Who Served".
Our Flag.
School says Muslim girl can return with scarf.
OUR VETERANS NEED YOU. Remy Benoit
Our Veterans need health care.
Health care demands funding.
Please follow this link to Diabled American Veterans. and let your Representative, your Senators, and the President know where you stand on these issues.
BE THERE FOR THEM
Some Interesting Sites to Visit. Remy Benoit
It is a lovely cool morning with the sun shining through the arms of the live oaks scattering rays down to touch the earth. The cats are up doing their thing; the old Lhasa Apso content with his outing and his breakfast.
The family has been englarged the past week. When I went to the market there were two kittens someone had left there by the trash receptacle. They live here now and go by the names of Gracia and Jesse. We have also been joined by a lost hound dog who now answers to the name of Gaby.
Autumn is upon us and next weekend we go back to Standard Time. I shall, as always, miss the light in the evening. Yet each season brings its own joys. There are pears here from the neighbor's tree; there are yams ready for cooking. The neighbor's horse looks at me and sees apples, waits patiently, and then takes it gently from my hand. When I lived up north, this was apple picking time from the local farm. There are no apple trees around here, but there is a Farmers' Fair to go to.
Ah, but I ramble, and I promised some interesting sites.
The long nights leave time for reading. A good place to start is Project Gutenberg. where you will find one of my all time favorites: Christopher Morley's, The Haunted Bookshop.
For autumn color, let's do some travelling:
Autumn Colors of Estonian Peat Bogs.
From an artist who claimed he "saw color in his head" another favorite of mine: Wassily Kandinsky.
Autumn in New England.
Georgian Court College: The Red Maple.
For a buddy of mine up there:North Dakota.
From our Crescent City: French Quarter.
Autumn in Paris.
If you have a favorite site, please share it with us!
Have a lovely day!
Ellsberg Revisited.
From the AP Press and the Times Picayune: Ellsberg: Vietnam, Iraq similar conflicts.
Down History Lane:
Pentagon Papers.
From Reuters, Jane Sutton, November 25, 2002 and Common Dreams.org:Pentagon Papers' Ellsberg Sees Deja Vu in Iraq by Jane Sutton.
Voices.
From Public Campaign Action Fund.
From Senator Robert Byrd and Tom Pain.com The Emperor Has No Clothes.
From the AP Press and Fox News Iraqis Wed to GIs Face Uncertain Future.
From the AP Press and Fox News Iran Will Suspend Uranium Enrichment, Allow Nuke Spot Checks.
Hiroshima Mayor Protests Bush's New Nuclear Weapons 5-1-3.
Bombing of Pearl Harbor.
Atomic Bombing of Hiroshima.
Dalai Lama.
An exile from his native land, the spiritual head of his people, and an example to us all in compassion, the Dalai Lama of Tibet...from the Voice of America Dalai Lama to VOA "I Am Ready" to Meet China's Leaders.
A Prayer Circle. Remy Benoit
Some of us around the country are joining in combined prayer from now through the holidays...everyone I know has problems that need
resolution...
"Please remove all obstacles to peace, health, abundance, and love."
Let go of the outcome, let go of the means; open the doors of the Universe to healing and growth.
You are most welcome to join us and invite others.
Remy
Some Good News - Jim, they're back!. Remy Benoit
As Mr. Spock noted, it would be illogical to hunt whales to extinction.
So, some good news, from Reuters and CNN:
Southern right whales in big comeback.
A Challenge.
For those of you who have been working with writing and the seminar here, well, here's a challenge.
National Novel Writing Month.
They are looking for quantity...50,000 words, 175 pages in 30 days.
Take the challenge, you never know where it might lead!
Fort Stewart and Our Wounded.
It's about our wounded and what seems to NOT be happening:
From the Atlanta Journal Constitution, Jingle Davis and Veterans for Common Sense Pentagon and Congress Investigate Fort Stewart Scandal Jingle Davis.
From Steven Rosenfeld, Tom Paine.com and Alternet.org The Pentagon's Achilles Heel.
From the National Gulf War Resource Center
Sick, wounded U.S. troops held in squalor
NGWRC meets with the troops.
Anti-War Protestors Gather in Washington As Three More Die in Iraq and Investigations Continue Concerning Treatment of Wounded.
From the Washington Post and Manny Fernandez: Protesters Try to Revive Antiwar Effort.
From the Washington Post and Rajiv Chandrasekaran Three U.S. Soldiers Killed in Iraq Two Die in Mortar attack, Third Killed in Mosul Gunbattle.
From the Washington Post: Faces of the Fallen.
From Veterans for Common Sense, UPS International and Mark Benjamin Military Rushes Doctors to Assist Wounded Living in Squalor at Ft. Stewart Mark Benjamin
United Press International.
The Hunger Site.
In less than a minute a day, just a few clicks away, you can help feed the hungry, help a child, provide money for free mamograms, help preserve the rainforests, and help care for our animal friends.
Do visit The Hunger Site. and help to heal the world.
If you have more ideas to help to heal the world, please visit with us at The Niquahanam Project: Help to Heal the World. and share them.
Assistance at Fort Stewart.
From CNN.com Army secretary vows improvements at Fort Stewart Brownlee says sick, injured soldiers need better treatment.
Former POW's and Battle over Compensation.
From the New Orleans Times PicayuneAmerican ex-POWs fight own government White House blocking payments from Iraq.
In the News.
From CNN.com
Muslim world marks Ramadan.
More than 30 killed in Baghdad blasts
Two U.S. soldiers among the dead in wave of suicide attacks.
From Veterans For Common Sense, Scott Calvert, and the Baltimore Sun:
After Iraq, Guilt of Killing Tears a Soldier's Life Apart
Scott Calvert Baltimore Sun.
PTSD Alliance.
From the Kansas City Star:
Faces of Freedom.
Hooked on Books.
It's About Happiness.
Check this one out: World Database of Happiness.
You will find some surprises.
Love: Unconditional.
The Love Foundation.
Dreams.
Dreams have been recorded, discussed, encouraged, debunked, interpreted, etc. throughout our history.
Here is a place that discusses their role in our lives: Dreams Foundation.
Gearing up for Halloween.
From the Times-Picayune and Constance Snow:
Soldiers need treatment/Commentary/VVAF.
From United Press International and Mark Benjamin
Sick soldiers wait for treatment.
From the Manchester Guardian and George Monbiot
Tony Blair's new friend
Britain and the US claim a moral mandate - and back a dictator who boils victims to death.
From Stewart Nusbaumer and Intervention Magazine Vietnam, Again?.
From Vietnam Veterans of America and Michael Kranish Globe Staff No retreat, no surrender Vietnam hero Bobby Muller, a vet who inspired 'Born in the U.S.A.,' soldiers on for a cause, with help from the Boss.
Lyrics of Bruce Springsteen's Born in the USA.
What are your thoughts? You are welcome to share them with us. Just click on Feedback.
Fear and Anxiety/Life and Love.
Emotion ToolKit.
Happy Halloween.
Did you ever wonder where all the Halloween customs came from?
Check out these sites for the answers!
History of Halloween.
History and Customs of Halloween.
Anything Southern: Halloween.
Opposition in Iraq/Democratic Hopefuls.
From CNN.com U.S. warns of 'day of resistance'.
From the Washington Post.com Conversation With the Candidates, Nov.3-7.
And from Alternet.org Bush Ignores Soldiers' Burials
By Christopher Scheer.
Happy November. Remy Benoit
This is the first of November.
With this month comes Veterans Day and Thanksgiving here in the States.
And, tomorrow is my Dad's ( Navy Medic, WWII) 76th Birthday. So, Happy Birthday, Dad!
We have much for which to be thankful. Just waking up each morning is a great gift. How often do you take the time to say Thank You for all the gifts in your life? Perhaps this is a good day to
start :)
Do you know there are Veterans Parks around the country that need cleaning up?
Is there one in your town?
If you were a Veteran and saw a park meant to honor you in a state of despair, how would you feel about that? What would that be saying to you? Is that what you want our Veterans to feel?
Can you organize a cleanup?
Can you also help our Veterans by supporting Veterans' issues; by contacting your Congress members, the President, and letting them know you support decent health care and other issues impacting on them?
Can you say Thank You to them? Try it. Say Thank You to a Vet and watch his/her face take on a glow. Just a simple, Thank you for your service will work wonders.
Veterans Day is on the 11th of this month.
What does Veterans Day mean to you? Write and tell me and I will post it for you. Do keep in mind, as always, we have visitors of all ages, and from around the world here. Express yourself with dignity, but do express your feelings about this remembrance day.
To learn the history of Veterans Day VFW Origins of Veterans Day.
In Canada, this day is known as Remembrance Day.
Anti-US Resistance.
Pamphlets dropped encouraged Anti-US Resistance in Iraq.
From Fox News.com
Thirteen Killed After Helicopter Attacked in Iraq.
From the Washington Post and Anthony Shahid Baghdad Jolted by Threat of New Attacks By Anthony Shadid.
From Veterans for Common Sense, the New York Times and Jeffrey Gettleman Deaths in Iraq Take a Steady Toll at Home.
From the Washington Post Faces of the Fallen.
Let us remember, BRING THIS HOME TO OURSELVES, that war is real, its savage jaws devour. We do not see today what we saw during the Vietnam engagement but the body bags are coming home; lives are being lost or shattered; families here and in Iraq are feeling real pain. While we are busy watching reality TV, our soldiers are facing the reality we sent them to.
We cannot sit on the sidelines.
Helping Military Families.
We Mourn.
From the AP Press and the Washington Post Rumsfeld Calls Day Tragic, But 'Necessary'.
From CommonDreams.org and the Vietnam Veterans of America At the Chinook site: the face of war.
From UPI International, Mitchell Prothero and Veterans for Common Sense First Response: View From the Medivac Team [at Chinook Crash Site]
P. Mitchell Prothero.
Also, from Ray McGovern and TomPaine.com Helicopter Down.
Sometimes We Need to Put Ourselves into the Overall Perspective.
We are not alone on this planet.
There is the planet itself.
There are a multitude of living forms. Once there were even more, but we rendered them extinct.
There are many other forms, and more and more it seems that they are not so unintelligent or without life as we once thought.
Sometimes we need to sit back, quiet ourselves, and think about the overall, and very long, history of this planet, as well as its future.
From Reuters, CNN.com and the perspective of the dinosaurs Volcanoes may have choked Earth, helped dinosaurs.
Perhaps we should ask ourselves what future generations will feel about the "boiling lava" that we continually spew onto the planet in oh so many forms.
Armistice Day.
After the "war to end all wars" came Armistice Day.
Armistice Day.
Survey of Armistice Day Newspaper Coverage.
"Transfer Tubes".
From the Toronto Star, Tim Harper and Veterans for Common Sense.org Bush Hides War Dead; Body Bags now Called 'Transfer Tubes'
All the news - sometimes.
From CNN.com Wolf Blitzer and Bernard Goldberg Media critic: Tell the whole story on Iraq.
The Faces of War.
From CNN.com Chinook survivors recall crash ordeal.
From The New York Times, Maureen Dowd, and Veterans for Common Sense.org
Death Be Not Loud
Maureen Dowd.
Black Hawk Down.
From the Washington Post 6 Dead as Army Helicopter Crashes in Iraq.
Ancient Incan City Found.
From CNN.com Lost city near Machu Picchu found.
Heavy Casualty Week for US Soldiers.
From CNN.com Deaths mount in bloody week for troops in Iraq.
From Veterans for Common Sense, The St. Petersburg Times and Wes Allison Worry and Frustration Take Toll at Fort Campbell.
From Veterans for Common Sense, The Hill and Klaus Marre Republicans Strip 'No War Profiteering' Section from $87 Billion Iraq Bill.
Veterans Day.
Tomorrow is Veterans Day.
Buy a poppy.
Thank a Veteran for his or her service.
Pray for those in service now.
Support legislation for Veterans.
Be there for them.
A Fighting Perth Remembers. Stan Scislowski
A Remembrance Day Speech at Veterans Appreciation Day being held at the International Press Club in Windsor.
The night was black as pitch, no moon, no stars, no flash of artillery fire to light the way for the Canadian infantry moving forward to the start-line of their next attack. The night was unusually quiet, as though both armies
facing each other in the flatlands of the North Italian plains had gone to bed early. The only sound came from the scuffle of the infantrymen's boots on gravel as they worked their way forward. To a man, as always, they fervently hoped that the advance would be a 'walkover', but it was not to be. The enemy had not gone away, and they had not gone to bed early. Except for those momentarily relieved of weapons post duty, the enemy was very much awake and alert. They
were in positions all through the area with their weapons trained at the single point where they were sure the Canadian attack would come in on them, and that was the roadway crossing the Fosso Munio stream.
In the lead section of the lead platoon of the Perth Regiment from Stratford, Ontario spearheading the attack was a 17 year old Windsor lad. Actually, too young to have been inducted into the army, Lance Corporal Freddie Lytwyn
had to have lied about his age to get in the army. But he was a veteran now, a veteran of several hard-fought battles as he marched on towards yet another battle, this one only five days before Christmas, hoping, as all
men do when going into battle that it would be an easy affair and that he would come out
of it okay.
Undetected thus far as they approached the start-line at the roadway crossing of the insignificant narrow watercourse, they entered a roadside drainage ditch, and with stealth. made good time on the way to their first objective.
They strained their eyes peering into the black fields around them to catch signs of enemy presence—to evade them if they could, or to throw fire at them if that had to be. The immediate danger, however, was not in the open fields
to their left, nor was it in the impenetrable darkness on their right. It was straight ahead along the line of the ditch. An enemy machine-gun crew hidden behind a stone culvert waited for them, their weapon pointing down the line of
that ditch. Their weapon, an MG 42 rated at 1200 rounds per minute, almost twice as fast as the Bren, could, in the narrow confine of the ditch do considerable slaughter. There was no way the man behind the gun could miss the unsuspecting approaching platoon.
At 25 yards range the enemy Fusilier squeezed the trigger— the gun ripping off a long burst. 400 steel jacketed slugs slammed into the bodies of the lead two sections. Twelve men died instantly, their bodies literally torn apart in the slash of bullets. Back along the column, others a little slower to react to the 'ripping canvas' sound of the gun, threw themselves onto the slick sides of the ditch, but they delayed only by seconds their own deaths. Somewhere in that pile of torn bodies was that of the 17 year old Windsor lad. He was too young to have to die in battle. . .He was too young to die at any time. He, like so many countless others of our generation had been denied by the cruel fates of war to reach manhood, to love, to marry, to raise a family, to enjoy all those things that we as survivors have taken for granted. And so, in eternal thankfulness to God that somehow we were spared a similar fate and allowed to live out our lives as He had intended, it is only fit and
proper that on Remembrance Day we should pause and pay tribute to their supreme sacrifice.
I’ve taken the liberty of describing the last moments in the life of one inordinately young Canadian who represents the hundred thousand and more other Canadians who laid down their lives in War. I have done this for a
reason, that reason being that it is much easier to focus one thoughts onto one individual than onto a faceless multitude. In remembering one. . . you remember all.
Veterans Day.
From CNN.com
WWI veterans remember their service.
From the Washington Post.com and Steve VogelIncoming Troops, Outgoing Vets Soldiers From Other Wars Help Those From Iraq at BWI.
Perhaps some of you who were not Welcomed Home might find forgiveness and healing in Welcoming the new generation home. Just a thought. You are all brothers and sisters. Can you return love for what you were denied? I know you are strong enough to do that. Again, just a thought.
Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
From Veterans for Common Sense.org 750 War Veterans Urge Bush to Support Troops.
To all of you who have been there, Thank you for your service and Welcome Home.
A Home Lost to War.
From the Washington Post and Anthony Shadid 'I'm Waiting for My Destiny'Baghdad Family Made Homeless by U.S. Missile Still Can't Rebuild.
9/11 Intelligence .
From CNN.com
W.H. to let 9/11 panel review briefings.
Gore accuses Bush of undermining freedoms.
Pay Problems for Combatants.
From Veterans for Common Sense.org, Lisa Myers and MSNBC GAO report: 94 percent of reservists have pay complications.
An American Dream. Greg Aurand
To Whom It May Concern:
I owe the IRS and the State of Idaho nearly $34,000 in income taxes.
They are in the process (or have already done so) of filing lien and levy against my property (what little I have). They may then seize my wages, bank accounts, assets, and property to pay the debt I owe. I also owe the local hospital, clinic and regional heart center for emergency treatment I received for tachyarrhythmia and hypertension. I have been unemployed since August of 2001. I have been unable to secure any meaningful employment. I received money from an inheritance in 2001 and 2002. I have used this money to live on. I overestimated the amount of money I would receive and my ability to put it to good use. I received less than anticipated and, being unable to secure employment, essentially ran out of money. Now I am in debt, and in jeopardy of losing everything I have. I just cannot seem to get over the hump and free myself of poverty, debt and unemployment.
How I ended up in this situation has been a long and difficult struggle for me personally. I'm not sure where to begin, but some background
information about myself may help you understand.
I grew up in Iowa, graduated high school in 1979, and worked for the Chicago and Northwestern Rail Road. I was laid off in 1980.After becoming unemployed, I decided to enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in March of 1981. During the five years I served I was promoted meritoriously to the ranks of Corporal and Sergeant and was awarded the Navy Achievement Medal for Meritorious Achievement. I was a career
Marine, and had a promising future ahead of me. However, I decided to end my enlistment to obtain a college education and some pride for my father.
After being honorably discharged from the Marine Corps, I selected Idaho as the best place to receive a college education. I put myself through school with the Veterans Education Assistance Program (a small monthly
allotment of $227), money I had saved and earned working, grants and student loans. I graduated from the University of Idaho in 1993 with a
B.S. in Wildland Recreation Management, a minor in Natural Resource Communication, 168 semester credits, a grade point average of 3.12, credit
card dept, a bad credit rating, and over eighteen thousand dollars in student loan principle now due.
Since graduation, I have not been able to obtain permanent full time employment. I have essentially worked Seasonal Jobs. I have been an
environmental education intern, a seasonal street maintenance worker, a seasonal field forester, a seasonal wildland fire fighter, a seasonal
building maintenance worker, and a seasonal park ranger. I have been more than successful at all these occupations, but unable to secure full time
permanent employment with any of these or other employers. During my lay-off periods I collected Unemployment Insurance and completed the required job searches.
I was last employed in Lewiston with a company they recruited. A telemarketing company. I worked on the phones for nine months, and then
took a position in quality control for nine more months. Needless to say, working in this field disgusted me. I quit when my position was
eliminated and I was required to go back and work on the phones. The company moved out of town this past summer and relocated to India, of all places.
During the summers I was in school I worked seasonally for the Forest Service as a Forest Technician and a Naturalist and lived in their bunkhouses. While in school, I rented a small apartment. However, when I worked as a park ranger I lived in a tent for three months during the summer of 1996. That fall I purchased a 12-foot camper and lived throughout the winter and through the summer of 1997. I took a winter job
at another park and was given government housing until I was laid off in the fall of 1998. I moved to Lewiston and purchased a 19-foot camper and
lived in that for three years and three months.
I remained unemployed the entire year of 1999 in Lewiston, collected unemployment for most of the year and completed the required job searches; I went on food stamps, community assistance, and energy assistance and completed the required job searches for the food stamp program. The telemarketing company hired me the last week of December 1999.
Needless to say, I was depressed about my failure to obtain a permanent job with any of my former employers. I had lost all confidence in my
ability to secure a full time job. For over a year I was unable to land even a part time job in Lewiston. I had low self-esteem until the
telemarketing company hired me. At first this was an exciting job; however, this soon changed after working on the phones, when I realized I
was the telemarketer that everyone loves to hate. I didn't trust the products the company sold and disliked calling people who were hostile
towards telemarketers. Unfortunately it is sometimes the only employment in town.
In April of 2000 my father died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Suicide. This devastated me. I am still not sure I'm over it yet. I have fits of sorrow and grief, anger and rage. It's frustrating and confusing and there just aren't any answers. Unfortunately I was unable to attend his funeral in Iowa, which angered me further. I loved and respected him very much, and it hurts to know I'm missing out on all the things we would have done together.
In May of 2000 my mother was evacuated from Los Alamos, NM and her house burned down in a wild fire started accidentally by the Park Service. This was traumatic and very sad. It was scary and I was very worried about the safety of my mother. She had lost her home and she is not well. My mother is in her second cancer remission and has suffered two heart attacks.
I took a leave of absence from work for a month to travel to New Mexico to help my mother and make sure she was safe and taken care of. And then I went to Iowa to say goodbye and pay my respects to my father and meet with the executors.
In March of 2002, I had a reunion with my best friend after losing contact for nine years. We served together during our first enlistment in the Marine Corps and remained in close contact until 1995. He remained in the Corps for 15 years, and was then medically discharged. My friend was like a brother to me and I loved him very much. In September 2002 my friend died of a self-inflected gunshot wound. Suicide. This crushed me beyond limits I thought possible. I am having difficulty writing about it right now. This Marine was a highly decorated combat veteran. He was a hero to me and to many, many other people who loved him as well. I was able to attend his funeral. I was a pallbearer at his military honors burial at a National Veterans Cemetery.
Once again I suffered and continue to suffer the loss, confusion, and frustration at a needless death.
I have spent the past year volunteering my time to help his mother understand the Marine behind the man. I have unselfishly dedicated myself to setting the record straight for my Brother Marine. I have logged hundreds and hundreds of hours working on three main projects for him and his Mother.
My friend was a 100% disabled veteran suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. He had also broken his neck while being shot at in
Somalia. This, he thought entitled him to a Purple Heart Medal. That March, during our reunion, I promised him I would look into it.
Unfortunately he died before I could finish my work.
His mother has given me access to his military records for my research. During my initial review I discovered he had been overlooked for a Medal he should have been awarded during the first Gulf War in 1990. I created a recommendation package and submitted it in December of 2002. The Commandant of the Marine Corps approved my recommendation and my friend
was awarded the Armed Forced Reserve Medal with Bronze Letter "M" (Posthumously) in February of 2003. I only wish he were here so I could
pin it on him.
It took me a year to document and verify all his medals, ribbons, and awards for his family. I created a small booklet with color graphics describing each medal, ribbon and award, what the award is, why it was awarded, and every time he received an award. Myself and the other
pallbearers presented his mother with a custom made walnut box to store all his awards and medals. I personally hand finished the box with hand rubbed oil and wax and had it engraved with the Marine Corps emblem and his name, rank and serial number.
This past August I completed my research for the Purple Heart Medal and submitted an award recommendation package to the Commandant of the Marine Corps. To date I have not heard back from them.
During the summer of 2003, I also completed research on my father's military service. I was able to obtain his military service records and DD214 and submitted requests for his veteran's burial benefits. This was not done during his funeral. I received his burial flag, submitted a request for the Presidential Memorial Certificate, and ordered his gravesite marker. Unfortunately, too much time had expired to receive the funeral allotment.
I took two buddies bow hunting on September 29th. While they hunted, I had two sudden attacks of Ventricular Tachycardia or Tachyarrhythmia
lasting nearly an hour each. What happens is my heart suddenly starts beating at nearly 180 beats per minute, sometimes even faster. At this
rate it can't pump blood efficiently. I lose circulation, my hands and arms turn blue, I can't catch my breath, and I'm on the verge of passing
out. At just past 5:00pm that evening, while sitting on the couch, I had another sudden attack, but this one felt different -- worse! I called my
neighbors and they took me to the local hospital emergency room. It took the doctors over 2 hours to slow my heart rate down. My blood pressure
was 245/163 and my heart rate was 183 beats per minute. Needless to say this was very scary! I've been diagnosed with Hypertension, a thickened heart, and an arrhythmia, either Ventricular Tachycardia or Tachyarrhythmia. The doctors aren't sure yet. My illnesses may cause
stroke, or sudden cardiac death. They have not been able to diagnose the cause of the arrhythmia, but are treating me for the hypertension. I have had to cancel my follow-up appointments with the cardiologist and further testing. I cannot afford to continue with treatment and testing, since this incident has put me further in debt.
I inherited 20% of my father's estate. A large part of his estate was an IRA. The IRS and the State of Iowa assessed the value of the IRA along with the rest of his property and business and collected estate taxes -- death taxes in excess of $140,000 to the IRS and $80,000 to the state of Iowa.
To pay the estate taxes, my family was required to sell our half interest in the family farm. Since 1962, it was the place I grew up, hunted and fished, and learned the value of hard work and the ethics of conservation. My father's ashes are now scattered on the hill of that wonderful place. And it is no longer in the family. We now need permission to visit. The
gravesite marker I have requested cannot be place there according to the VA, it must be placed in a distant cemetery somewhere else.
When the moneys from the estate were disbursed, I was required to pay income taxes on that portion which came from the IRA. The law does not allow me to roll it over into an IRA in my name. This money was taxed twice. I just don't understand how they can justify that.
I used the money to better my life - or so I thought that's what I was doing. My student loans were delinquent, and I used the money to rehabilitate them over a year and then I paid them off in 2002. For my education, I paid over $32,000 in principle and interest from student
loans alone. And this past tax year, I was not allowed to deduct the interest paid on those loans because "I earned too much."
I moved out of my camper in March of 2002 and purchased a small doublewide trailer. I relocated from Lewiston up the valley seven miles
from Orofino. Because I lived on the money I received, instead of paying the estimated income tax (which I didn't know I could do), I am now in
jeopardy of losing everything I have, even property I owned before my father died.
Yes, I made some mistakes. Circumstances have worked against me as well. I did not foresee being unemployed for so long. My debt to the government is very large in my mind. So large, that I cannot imagine ever getting out from under it. Yet, President Bush just gave away 82 BILLION dollars of our money to the Iraqis. What is my dept compared to just this one instance of aid given to a foreign country. It just doesn't make sense to me that they can receive so much of our help in an unimaginably large amount of money, and I cannot find or receive any aid or relief from my
debt. I'm not against paying my fair share of taxes to support our troops, but in my mind the government taxed my inheritance twice. What is
my debt compared to the billions and billions Congress and the President spend every year? I will be stripped of my home, and my property and left to the streets like a common criminal.
Semper Fi,
Gregory D. Aurand.
4441 Cavendish Road #5
Lenore, Idaho 83541
(208) 476-0757
kingfisher@orofino-id.com
10 November 2003
In the News.
From Veterans for Common Sense, the Seattle Post-Intelligencer, and Charles Pope: Men Between 18 and 22 Beware: Bush May Resume Forced Military Draft for Iraq War.
From CNN.com
Bush unfazed by UK protests.
From the Times Picayune of New Orleans and Slobodan Lekic of the AP Press:400th US soldier dies; Bremer meets governing Council on self-government plan.
When the Center Does Not Hold and Directives are Ambiguous/Free Fire.
War is a terrible thing, in the truest sense of the word. Things fall apart. Sometimes bad things happen. We need to learn from them. We raise our children with certain values, and then we put them in positions where things fall apart. Sometimes they fall apart very badly. We need to look at this and ask why, how, and what can we do to never see this again. Yes, we need to know this, moms, dads, siblings, new generations so we don't need to know this kind of thing happened again.
What does a free fire zone mean? really mean.
Face the truth and lose the euphemisms.
From the Toledo Blade, Alter Net.org
The Scalping Party
By Mike Davis, tomdispatch.com
November 14, 2003.
A Balde Investigation: Buried Secrets, Brutal Truths by MICHAEL D. SALLAH and MITCH WEISS.
2 Black Hawks Crash.
From Cnn.com Two Black Hawks crash in Mosul.
Today Making History.
From Veterans for Common Sense.org
and the International Herald Tribune with Zbigniew Brzezinski, National Security Adviser to President Jimmy Carter To lead, U.S. must give up paranoid policies.
and Cable Network News, John Raedler Black Hawks crash death toll rises to 17.
and the New York Times, Neela Banerjee Rebuilding Bodies, and Lives, Maimed by War.
For links to Military Newspapers Online.
Mourning at Fort Campbell.
From the Washington Post and Manuel Roig-Franzia Mourning Fallen Eagles At Fort Campbell, Death Yet Again Hits Home.
US Launches New Offensive in Iraq.
From CNN.com U.S. launches new offensive in Iraq Russia casts doubts on U.S. transition-of-power plan.
From Air Force Times Helicopters in Iraq now flying lower, faster.
From Marine Corps Times I MEF earns Presidential Unit Citation.
From Navy Times New reserve unit formed in Mississippi.
48 Hours to Review 1000 pages.
Re: New Energy Bill
From MoveOn.org 2003 Energy Bill. PDF
Italy Mourns Dead.
From CNN.com Italy says farewell to Iraq dead.
US and Vietnam Today.
From CNN.com Vietnam visit signals new ties.
And from Easter Island and CNN.com Easter Island's statues await facelift.
Keep Your Humanity.
I read this Open Letter awhile ago and have been walking about my backyard deciding if I should link to it for you.
As you know, I ask that things you send me are careful with their use of language. This letter is not. It uses the language, shall we say, of the field.
This letter is the position of one man who has been there, who has known the elephant.
This letter takes a very pointed position on Vietnam and Iraq, and that position is not flattering to these encounters nor to encumbent administrations.
We all know, even if we do not want to acknowledge that, we all know that war changes people, that on both sides bad things happen.
For those who were there for the bad things, those bad things stay with them, forever. In war all that we know is turned upside down and combatants are challenged with the dilemma of fighting a war and maintaining their humanity.
As I was walking about the yard it occured to me that if combatants, as Goff suggests, do not have to come to "hate the enemy," how do they fight them? Are we capable of active combat with humanity? Many have shown that we are; others have known the blood lust and its concomitants.
Mr. Goff's Open Letter neglects the atrocities of the people of the country, Vietnam and Iraq, in this case, against their own. Our press tends to talk about the mistakes of our own, not theirs and theirs as you have told us, were many, and terrible.
His position is that of opposition to the current engagement, is critical of the previous engagement. There is no mistaking that. That position may not please many of you.
And yet, after walking about the yard, I found that I felt he had something to say that needs to be said. "I changed over there in Vietnam and they were not nice changes either."
So, with these comments, with a warning that the language is strong, political, there is something in this letter than needs to be recognized, by all sides: that war challenges humanity of each individual. How that challenge is met determines the rest of that individual's life. Note the anger in his message; note the attempt to warn a current generation of combatants of the challenge to their humanity.
Published on Saturday, November 15, 2003 by Counterpunch Hold On to Your Humanity: An Open Letter to GIs in Iraq by Stan Goff (US Army Retired).
Bush and Blair.
From Fox News.com
Bush, Blair Remain Defiant on Terrorism.
President Bush's Speech at Whitehall.
From Veterans for Common Sense and Working for Change.com Petition to ask President Bush to attend the funeral of a fallen soldier.
US and Vietnam.
From CNN.com U.S. warship docks in Vietnam.
For a history of US and Vietnam at war American Experience: Vietnam Online.
For a History of Vietnam.
New York, Pasta, and Memories.
This is a beautiful piece of writing; one that touches the heart, the mind, and the soul.
From The New York Times, David C. Botti, and Veterans for Common Sense.org The War Within.
40 Years Ago Today.
I was on a bus, going to my Aunt's to have my hair done for a Senior Prom that night. It wasn't mine. My Senior Prom came the following June. The people who told me were classmates of mine from sixth grade who I hadn't seen since then.
The prom was not held that night.
Two days later I was talking with a close friend on the phone, sitting in front of the tv set. He said, "Did you see that?"
A lot of us saw that.
We were in shock.
We had Advisors in Vietnam.
There were more shocks to come: Dr. King; Bobby Kennedy.
Cities burning.
Body Bags.
Conversations with Lizard’s Bones and Wizard’s Stones. Al Beck
Reviewed by Remy Benoit
I have never met Al Beck, and yet I know him.
I was never in his classroom and yet, he has taught me.
Here in Conversations with Lizard’s Bones and Wizard’s Stones, his ninth book of poems, prose and drawings, he once again reaches out, touches, inspires, and asks much of us.
He is an artist.
He is a poet.
He is a writer.
He is a teacher in the truest sense of the word because he transmits ideas that insist that we each find our creative expression..
He insists that the educational system assist us in finding our creative expression.
He entertains, he makes us sometimes uncomfortable with truths to be faced.
He challenges the entire educational process that is in place, that has been in place for decade upon decade.
He asks that we consider that education is meant to enlighten, encourage, and bring out the best of our own personal creativity instead of just “just giving back the facts” without ever really learning what they mean.
He could have slipped into the pedantic mode in his crusade against educational pedantics. He did not do that. He speaks to us, with us, in drawings, in insightful lyrics. This Veteran of the Korean Conflict; Professor Emeritus from Culver –Stockton College; folk singer; creator of the Pyrapod; this champion trying to overcome “the traditional autocratic attiude which continues to be prevalent in many classrooms today,” challenges our creativity with his insights, with his creative ways of sharing them.
The subservient
mind’s a sponge absorbing
someone else’s chaos.
Al’s poems, verse, drawings leave us with the question, what do we really want for the education of our children? Do we want to hear the answer I heard when I asked a young friend just graduated from high school, What did you learn in the last twelve years of school? I learned to regurgitate information.
Or do we want to hear I began to learn who I am, I began to see my vast potential.
As Al puts it:
My handle on life
is broken. Now I grab it
by the cutting edge.
Grab the cutting edge of this special gift Al Beck is offering and delight in, be challenged by Conversations With Lizard’s Bones and Wizard’s Stones.
You may reach Al Beck at:
5987 County Road 231
Monroe City, MO 63456
Or e-mail him at Al Beck.
abeck@marktwain.net
The cost of this treasure is $11. Contact Al for an autographed copy.
Conversations With Lizard’s Bones and Wizard’s Stories by Al Beck has just been released by the publisher Lorien House Press.
Beck comments that this book reflects the confrontation with both ferociuosly reptilian minds as well as magical creative spirits.
Many of his fresh ideas often have their origin in ancient traditions.
Beck’s ninth book blends poetry, drawings, stories and songs in an entertaining manner.
Al, Beck, Professor Emeritus of Art from Culver-Stockton College is included in the the international reference book 2000 Outstanding Writers of the 20th Century by the International Biographickal Center in England. In addition to his recognition as a creative writer and educator, he has won numberous art awards and prizes through his career in clay, glass, papercasting, painting and design. Beck has also been a professional folksinger for the past half century, singing in Chicago night clubs as well as giving concerts throughout France for the United States Information Agency.
In addition to life’s insights on time, nature and the human spirit through his poetry, CONVERSATIONS incorporates both stories Beck refers to as “autobiographitti” as well as articles on his methods for developing changes in our present educational process.
Marjan Glavac, Editor of The Busy Educator’s National Newletter says,
“After one of THOSE weeks teaching school, I read Al Beck’s book in the park on a sunny and warm day amid the laughter of children, romantic couples and other quiet readers at picnic tables. Beck gives a great overview of the highs and lows of teaching and the institution of education with all its flaws and how to overcome them. There are profound thoughts simply told for those new and old to education. The poems, stories, stongs and illustrations leap out at you and hold you, making you reflect on your own life.”
Others have found a “playful irreverence” for conventional expectations in his work.
Beck comments, “I enjoy piercing minds with a verbalor visual knife. My focusis to wed personal expression to the universal cry for a connection of our human spirit to our intellect.”
His new book, Conversations With Lizard Bones and Wizard’s Stones, can be obtained from the author for eleven dollars which includes mailing expenses.
To contact the author for an autographed copy of his book, write him at
5987 County Road 231, Monroe City, MO. 63456
or e-mail him at Al Beck.
abeck@marktwain.net
Casuality Rates Continue to Rise.
From the AP Press and Fox News.com
Afghanistan Chopper Crash Kills Five U.S. Soldiers.
Two American Soldiers Killed in Mosul.
From UPI and Mark Benjamin, November 14, 2003
U.S. casualties from Iraq war top 9,000.
Thanksgiving Week. Remy Benoit
Our lives seem progressively more hurried.
We have less vacation time than most other countries.
We are at war on more than one front and the casuality rates keep rising.
Our paychecks aren't keeping up with costs.
Thousands of jobs have disappeared.
TV, magazines, Internet news sources give us tips for "Turkey Day" diminishing its meaning.
So, what do we have for which to be thankful?
Perhaps we should just stop and look around.
President Bush at Fort Carson, Colorado.
From the Washington Post and Mike Allen Bush Visits Army Post With Heavy Casualties in Iraq
Meeting With Families Of Dead Is His Third Since War Began.
From the Virginian-Pilot and Matthew Dolan The final transfer, to Dover, for war's dead.
In the news.
From Free Republic.com and Fred Zimmerman
At end of training, Marines say Mongols ready for duty in Iraq.
From Islamic History to 1600 Islamic History.
About Our Pets.
One of the things we are thankful for is our pets.
From The Green Guide. some tips on safe care of them.
Gulf Soldiers/Gulf War Syndrome and the UK.
From the Guardian Soldiers to sue over new Gulf War syndrome Mark Townsend.
Something Awesome.
The holidays are sometimes difficult to deal with. There are such great expectations, and sometimes, such great disappointments that in many ways we set ourselves up for.
A high school classmate sent me this site this morning. It is amazing. And, it will help to put things into perspective. So, from Barry to me, from me to you. Hubble.
Happy Thanksgiving.
So You Thought Your Family Was the Only One.
From Alternet.org and Bethany Allen, Africana.com
Holidays Are From Hell--and Heaven.
Happy Thanksgiving.
For a history of
Thanksgiving Celebrations Throughout History.
For celebrations of Thanksgiving in Other Countries.
Enjoy your celebration.
Blessings,
Remy
Early and Severe Flu Season.
From CNN.com Thousands sickened in early, severe flu season Especially virulent strain of virus is cropping up.
The Terrible Face of War.
From the Washington Post and Theola Labbé Facing the Horrific Every Day Army Hospital in Baghdad Is First Refuge for U.S. Casualties.
Spanish Intelligence People Killed in Iraq.
From CNN.com Spain: Intelligence agents 'assassinated' in Iraq Seven killed, one wounded in ambush south of Baghdad.
Attacks Continue in Iraq.
From the AP Press and Fox News.com Americans, Allies Targeted in Iraq.
From the Washington Post, an Editorial A New Approach.
From the AP Press, Mar Roman, and the New Orleans Times Picayune Government resists, but opposition demands Iraq pullout after latest deaths.
Stepping back into history, but still dealing with its problems - from the Philadelphia Inquirer and Jeff Shields A push to rectify Nazi-era looting of a 'Gold Train'.
A Change in Tactics.
From CNN anchor Martin Savidge Grange: Ambush shows change in guerrilla tactics.
'Tis the Beginning of the Season.
Happy December!
This is a special time of year. It is a time that can be glorious; it is also often a time of great stress.
For a look at how Christmas is celebrated around the world, visit with Christmas Traditions. Do take note of their section on holiday stress.
For a look at celebrations of Kwanza, visit with Kwanza.
Hanukkah is celebrated this month. For the celebrations of the Festival of Light, visit with Hanukkah.
Whatever you are celebrating this month, keep in mind the true meaning of your holiday. Try to not build up unrealistic expectations but to enjoy the warmth and sharing of the celebration.
I would love to hear from you on the topic of the perfect holiday celebration. What would you be doing if all the decisions about its celebration would be left to you?
Is there such a thing as the "perfect Christmas?" Jean Luc found one in the Nexus and walked away from it. There is both sadness and courage in that decision. Think about it - would you have stayed for the perfect Christmas, or moved back into your real world? Just a question for thought.
Whatever your holiday, whatever your celebration, I wish you peace.
Remy
Women for Women International.
What you can do to help Women for Women International.
President Carter Writes a Novel.
From CNN.com and Time in an interview with Jimmy Carter and Massimo Calabresi 10 Questions for Jimmy Carter.
For Reviews of Mr. Carter's book Hornet's Nest.
Is This Happening in Your Neighborhood?.
From the Washington Post and Mary Otto In Search of a Place to Park Himself Pr. George's Man Has Scores of Model Cars but Nowhere to Call Home.
National Coalition for Homeless Veterans.
Military Misdiagnosis.
From the Dallas Morning News, Nancy Barr Canson and Veterans for Common Sense A soldier's tale: Military misdiagnosis.
Omnibus Appropriations Bill and More.
For a look at this pending bill from the perspective of the Natural Resources Defense Council.
From AlterNet and Robert Kennedy Jr. Crimes Against Nature.
From Tom Paine.com, Steven Rosenfeld, and Howard Zinn Another McCarthy Era.
From Tom Paine.com Why Target Greenpeace.
Senator Byrd to Block Omnibus Bill.
From the Washington Post.com and Helen Dewar Byrd to Block Omnibus Funding Bill Senator Says He'll Oppose GOP Bid for Passage With No Roll Call.
Christmas Cookies.
This is the time for the luscious smell of cookies baking.
From the Philadelphia ( my home town ) Inquirer and Marilynn Marter A world of Christmas cookies.
Traveling Again to the Moon May be on the Agenda.
From the Washington Post and Mike Allen and Kathy Sawyer Return to Moon May Be on Agenda.
NASA.
NASAKIDS.
Meanwhile down here on the planet
From CNN.com Roadside bomb kills 3 Iraqis, U.S. soldier Tokyo: Japanese diplomats were shot in car.
From Fox News.com and the AP Press Train Bomb Kills 36 Near Chechnya.
The following is the opening quote from my newest book, Loving, soon to be released by Pharaoh Press, UK. It fits here this morning:
The Christmas Star: Italy, 1943. Stan Scislowski
From the author of NOT ALL OF US WERE BRAVE about the 5th Canadian Armoured Division
At midnight we were on the move again, with at least five hours march yet to go. If we thought the going had been tough on the first half of the
march, we were soon to find out by comparison with the last half, we had up till now, taken only a leisurely stroll through the park.
Marching in daylight is so much easier than any night march. In daylight a man can see where he’s going and rarely, if ever will run up the backside of the man ahead, tread on his
heels, stumble on a rock, or make a misstep. A night march, on the other hand, almost without fail, ends up being a test of one’s patience and
endurance—mainly patience. As always is the case when this happens, the night resounds to the
angry shouts of men cursing each other for one reason or another. Such was the case on this particular night. We were so vocal, that if it had gone like this at the front, the enemy would have heard us coming from 10 miles away.
After two hours of fighting our way through a scrubland wilderness, we found ourselves slogging along another bone-dry riverbed. Fortunately for us the stones in this one weren’t quite as large as the rocks we’d been tripping and stumbling over earlier. After about two hours of groping our way through the inky darkness, the column entered a deep cleft in a mountainside, a cleft so deep and so narrow we could just barely make out the starlit sky above us.
Through this cleft ran a trickle of water bubbling over a base of rounded stones. After a couple more hours of groping and stumbling and cursing our way through the subterranean passage we were pretty well worn out. Legs felt like rubber not muscle and bone, while ankles throbbed from the punishment of stepping on the smooth stones of the watercourse. Shoulders ached under the irritation and pressure of webbing, while the inside of our thighs were rubbed raw by the coarse, woolen khaki of our trousers. As the hours dragged on, we kept going and going and going till I thought we’d never stop. I couldn’t see us being in any condition for any simulated assault of a hilltop, come daybreak.
Although I've never been a devout churchgoer and hardly ever uttered a prayer except in a rude and unpracticed way, a religious feeling swept over me in the two hours before first light. Straight ahead in the narrow segment of southern sky visible in the great cleft in the mountain we were slogging our way through, my eyes locked onto a bright, twinkling star. Had it not been only two days before Christmas I would not have thought anything about it.
On this occasion, however, being so close to Christmas I got to thinking about the night when Jesus was born in the manger at Bethlehem and how the three wise men traversing through the cold desert night by camel were guided by a star to where the Christ child lay. So, I fixed my eyes on that star, and all through the last leg of our trek I never took my eye off it. My thoughts on that night of nights focused on the holy birth. And, would you believe it? I no longer felt weary to the point of dropping? Rather, I felt strong and fresh enough to go another three hours. Just concentrating my thoughts on that holy night of close to 2000 years ago, and keeping my eyes on the star had a remarkable effect on me.
Strange, but true!
NRA.
From the Washington Post and Sharon Theimer NRA Seeks Status as News Outlet.
From Alternet.org and Bill Moyers The Media Consolidation Beat Goes On
By Bill Moyers, NOW.
Nation Books.
MOYERS, BILL U.S. Broadcast Journalist.
From Common Dreams.org and Bill Moyers This is Your Story - The Progressive Story of America. Pass It On.
by Bill Moyers.
Pearl Harbor Day December 7, 1941.
Pearl Harbor: Remembered.
Ships Present at Pearl Harbor, 0800 7 December 1941.
Comprehensive List of Pearl Harbor Casualties Civilian and Military Deaths on Oahu, Hawaii, Dec. 7, 1941.
Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, Sunday, December 7, 1941.
"A Date which will live in infamy".
PEARL HARBOR FRANKLIN D. ROOSEVELT'S Speech to the U.S. Congress on December 8th, 1941 (as delivered).
USS Arizona.
From the Tucson Citizen and Paul L. Allen UA's memorial lounge recalls 'day of infamy'Young people realize need to remember.
US and Coalition Casualties/War Crimes Tribunal.
From CNN.com Special Report War in Iraq.
From CNN.com
U.S. commander: Violence likely to increase Lawmakers urge U.S. to let Iraqis choose own leaders.
Iraqi council OKs war crimes tribunal.
From Journalism.org Understanding Military Rank Ed Offley, from his book Pen & Sword.
A Soldier's Night Before Christmas.
A Soldier's Night Before Christmas.
This site has many, many parodies of the traditional tale. Most are okayed for children, but note that some are marked Adult.
From Star Trek, to Buffy, to the Borg and Babylon Five, they are all here!
History of Christmas.
Christmas.
This site has a Friends link where you can leave a message and make a new friend if you like.
Basic Call to Consciousness.
The Six Nations of the Hau de no sau nee presented a paper to the United Nations back in 1978. Its word are perhaps even more relevant today.
Somethings to think about A Basic Call to Consciousness
The Hau de no sau nee Address to the Western World Geneva, Switzerland, Autumn 1977.
What many in this country are not aware of is the debt of the Founding Fathers to the Iroquois Confederacy in the writing of our Constitution.
Iroquois Law of Peace.
Law of Peace and the US Constitution.
Once upon a time Christmases.
From CNN.com New York: Historic homes ready for holidays.
New Offensive in Afghanistan.
From CNN.com Major Afghan offensive launched.
Afghanistan.
From the AP Press and the Seattle Times U.S.: Taliban would attack Afghan council By PAUL HAVEN Associated Press Writer.
Christmas, Ortona, 1943.
This came to me today. It seems that it was published in a Canadian Army Newspaper back in 1943.
While we are preparing for the holidays, let us keep in mind that part of our national family is on the front lines. Some of them died today. Some of them were injured, some seriously. While forces were in Italy in '43, the war was a collective effort of the whole nation. That is not so today. You are not rationing sugar, nor gas. You are not "painting" stockings on your legs. You are probably not changing your vacation plans.
Some of you are praying desperately for loved ones.
If you can do nothing else for those in active service, you can wrap them in prayer, and when they do come home, remember to say, Thanks for Your Service, and Welcome Home.
From Ortona, 1943
Who Will Help Reconstruct Iraq/ and Who Won't.
From the Washington Post and Jackie Spinner Only Allies to Help With Rebuilding U.S. to Deny Contracts to Firms From Nonsupporting Nations.
History is a not simple. Like everything everyone does, the "butterfly effect" of history ripples through lives. From Common Dreams.org and by Felicity Arbuthnot Dear Mr President - About the Iraq National Symphony Orchestra....
Bah Humbug!. Remy Benoit
Are you a Christmas person surrounded by those who constantly just "don't get it?"
Take the time with these books, give them as presents.
If you are thinking of Skipping Christmas, check that out with John Grisham first. You will find it a lot more complicated than you could possibly imagine!
If you are, or know, someone who can't get to the place of commitment, hop aboard The Christmas Train with David Baldacci
And hey, is Santa Claus real? Let Jerry B. Jenkins, Twas the Night Before: A Love Story, answer that question for you.
Enjoy!
Reconstruction Contracts for Iraq.
From CNN.com Anger over Iraq contracts list.
Just A Common Soldier.
Almost 6 months after I put this hear I have received an e-mail from the man who wrote it! I was delighted to hear from him as so many of you have sent me this poem and he should know how much his words have touched you.
The author of this piece is A. Lawrence Vaincourt and you may join him at WELCOME TO RHYMES & REFLECTIONS
The Humor and Writings of A. Lawrence Vaincourt.
So, now we know who authored this, and it is something to think about.
Resignations in Iraqi Army.
A special note first: If I am not here for a couple days, or answering your e-mails right away, please be patient. This old computer is making screaming noises. I will have a replacement soon, so please bear with me. If any of you can help with the costs of maintaining this site, it would be most appreciated. Please click on DONATE. THANKS SO MUCH, Remy
From CNN.com Coalition: Nearly half of new Iraqi army has quit Explosions heard at U.S. compound.
Saddam Captured.
From CNN.com U.S.: 'We got him'
Saddam captured near Tikrit.
WOLVERINES !!
If Red Dawn and Wolverines don't ring bells with you, check out the 1984 movie with Patrick Swayze, RED DAWN.
Christmas, 1932. Stan Scislowski
If you are running out to 'shop 'till you drop' this week, may I suggest that you make a cuppa and sit down and read this first.
As always, Stan shares from the heart.
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Only two Christmases stand out in my memory. This isn't to say that all the others, especially those when my children were young enough to
believe in Santa Claus weren't enjoyable and memorable—they were. But the two I'm speaking about here had come under unusual circumstances and situations, adverse conditions such as should have cloaked them in a shroud of unhappiness.
The first one I speak of is the Christmas of 1932, the year my father died. It was a snowless Christmas, not as cold as one would expect at that time of year. On the afternoon of Christmas Eve, my brother Joe, myself and my sister Olga were sitting on the front steps of our run-down house, a house badly in need of a paint-job. My mother couldn't afford to buy paint.
We sat there talking about Christmas and Santa Claus, of course and I came out with 'I hope Santa Claus brings me a hockey stick and a Snakes & Ladders game.'
My sister piped up with, "Santa Claus doesn't come to poor people's houses."
This shook me to the core, and I exclaimed, "Why?" Olga answered, "Because. He just doesn't come to poor people's houses." Blunt, but true. Strangely though, for a lad as young as I was(8) I thought about it for awhile, and then came to terms with it. "If that's the way it is, then that's the way it has to be."
While we sat there in cheerless conversation under a gloomy sky, a stake truck drove up and stopped in front of our place. A man on the passenger side got out and ran up the sidewalk with a clipboard and a sheaf of papers on
it. He showed it to Olga, pointing a finger at a name thereon and asked if this family (ours) lived there (1554 Parent Ave.), to which Olga nodded assent.
The man turned about and hollered to the two men standing amidst a load of bushel baskets, and cardboard cartons. "Okay, fellows, let's go!"
Whereupon the three men carrying two bushel baskets full of groceries, candies, and other Christmas goodies, along with a large meat-basket(never see these around anymore) full of meat and a plucked goose, made their way up the sidewalk.
With the excitement as only kids our age could display at being handed something good and special we followed Olga as she directed the men around to the back entrance where the largesse was deposited on the kitchen floor to the urprise and tearful enjoyment of my mother.
The Goodfellows of Windsor had come through at the last minute and brought Christmas to the Scislowski/Hedgewick household when the prospects of a Merry Christmas appeared so bleak.
Thanks to some kind soul in the neighbourhood for turning in our names to the Goodfellows we were well on the way to having a Christmas elebration, a celebration that would be enhanced by the events of the wee hours of the night when we were tucked away under our feather-tick blankets, sound asleep.
Since Olga had made it known to me that Santa wouldn't be stopping at our house, I had no intention of waking up bright and early on Christmas morn-ing. We had no tree set up and no decorations anywhere in the house. It would be
just another humdrum day for us except for the traditional Christmas goose dinner with all the trimmings my mother could now prepare for us.
And so, when morning dawned, while I was deep in some dream long since forgotten, my brother Joe brusquely shook me awake, "Stan, Stan, come on see what Santa brought you!" It took a few seconds to get my wits about me before I leaped out of bed, almost ran into the Quebec heater (an upright wood and coal stove) and when I burst into the living-room, or front room, as we called it, there before my dancing eyes were balloons floating around and garlands
hanging from the ceiling, and best of all, a three-foot decorated Christmas tree set up on a table in the corner, around it sat brightly wrapped boxes of gifts from Santa. I literally jumped out of my skin when I spied the hockey
stick standing by the table with my name on the tag— To Stanley from Santa. And,yes, there was also a Snakes & Ladders game.
To say our household was filled with excited shouts and squeals of delight and merriness was to describe it in the mildest of terms. It was joy beyond joy and it all came out of adversity.
The Christmas tree and the presents and decorations came out of the hearts and kindness of my oldest sister Annie and my oldest brothers Peter and Mike, who somehow put enough nickels and dimes and pennies together from their
meagre earnings, Annie's from her house-cleaning jobs and Peter from his door-to-door selling of rugs and vacuum cleaners, and Mike from caddy-jobs and Border City Star paperboy earnings.
The reader, I hope, can see the message therein and why this Christmas of 1932 stands out in the memory.
Thank you, Stan for that, and for those of you reading, is there a "Goodfellows" in your neighborhood? Is there someone you need to call about, or perhaps visit with yourself?
59 Seconds That Changed the World.
The 100th anniversary of the flight at Kitty Hawk -
from CNN.com Dignitaries gather to honor first flight 100th anniversary marks day Wright brothers made history.
Chirac and Religious Symbols.
From CNN.com
Chirac: Ban headscarves in schools.
Once upon a time, way back in the Dark Ages when I was in school, we used to enjoy learning about each other's holidays and traditions. We made paper Christmas trees and Menorrahs. We played with dreidels, and learned each other's songs.
So, I have to ask this question as we see articles like this in France and here in the US.
Is this an adult issue, an adult problem that is not shared by the young people who really don't care what you are wearing about your neck, or on your head?
Would it not be more conducive to understanding, sharing to make the time to learn about the history, traditions, customes, holidays of each other, than to make all this fuss? Is this an adult issue that is truly a non-issue trying to be legislated into one?
I recall back in 5th grade when a young girl I had known from 1st grade on came up to me and said."Do you know the difference between you and me." I recall looking at her and saying, "No." She looked at me and said, "I'm black and you're white." My response was, "So...?" She said, "So let's go play."
I'm with you, Louise. Let's just let it be, and go play!.
Happy Chanukah.
Chanukah celebrations begin on Friday night with the lighting of the first candle of this Festival of Lights.
For the history of Chanukah The Story of Chanukah Holiday Central Editor: Rivka C. Berman.
One of my favorite memories of this time of year was that of the front window of a friend of mine's family. The huge Christmas tree would be in full view from the street with the Menorrah more brightly lit in front of it with each passing night. So Marty, if you are out there somewhere, Hey, call for a pizza for us!
Happy Chanukah!
Old Time Christmas in Butte.
From the Montana Standard and Walter Hinick Return to Meaderville. A recreation of 1948
Meaderville display spurs memories By Barbara LaBoe of The Montana Standard.
Please note that the high school students did this!
Butte was my grandma's home town! So, this one's for you Grandma. Miss you.
Medical Evacuations.
From UPI and Mark Benjamin Medical evacuations from Iraq near 11,000.
From the Washingtong Post and Steve Vogel Doctors Seeing More Brain Injuries From Iraq
Protective Gear May Be Contributing to Rate Higher Than in Previous Wars By Steve Vogel.
For the Children.
From CNN.com Children's hospitals overwhelmed with gifts.
Don't forget that our many of our Veterans are in hospitals too and would love to hear from you. For the locations of VA Facilities visit:
Veterans Facility Directory.
Armed Forces Relief Fund.
With the continuance of engagements abroad, many of our service people and their families are facing extreme financial hardship.
YOU CAN HELP Armed Forces Relief Trust.
4 Days Before Christmas.
From CNN.com Libyan announcement merits mixed reaction Leaders and Pan Am relatives disagree.
Time "Person" of the Year: The American Soldier.
From Time Magazine and CNN.com
Time Person of Year: The American soldier.
Condition: Orange.
From the Washington Post.com and John Mintz Terror Threat Level Raised to Orange.
Vietnam Babylift 1975.
Lana Noone, Vietnam Babylift historian, author, and mom, has created (with webmaster, Vietnam Veteran Charles B. Wilber) a website whose goal is to re-unite many "threads" of the Vietnam Babylift Era.
They include adoptees, adoptive and birth families, Vietnam Veterans, Civilian
and Military Women (DAO), and all those impacted by this historic event.
Do Visit with this important site: Vietnam Baby Lift 1975.
Louisiana Bicentennial.
From CNN.com New Orleans marks Louisiana Purchase anniversary.
From The Times Picayune of New Orleans and James Gill Once again, French get short end of stick.
The New Orleans Cabildo
Colonial Louisiana’s First City Government, 1769–1803 Gilbert C. Din and John E. Harkins.
Louisiana Purchase.
Battle of New Orleans By A. Wilson Greene.
Lewis and Clark.
It's About Life.
It is still dark outside this morning just two days before Christmas. The unusual cold here has softened some and it is just coolish and humid outside.
I just came back in a few moments ago after carrying my almost seventeen year old Lhasa Apso outside to do what needed taking care of. Then I lifted him and carried him back up the front stairs as they are, all four of them, are just too much for him now. I don't know if he will make it through the holidays and I can feel he is wondering too just what it is that is happening to him as he holds his paws around my neck.
His name is Gypsy because when he was little he fit into the palm of my hand and liked so much to travel about in the truck with me. His kennel name is Misha's Song. Misha was an adorable mixture of Labrador and Cocker Spaniel. His long black hair was like silk. Misha is a diminutive for Michael, and also means little bear. When he was six years old he fell victim to leukemia.
Misha was named for Michael who was a German Shepherd, totally protective of me with a thing for pancakes and drinking beer from a bottle.
All three of these dogs loved life, and me as I do them. They knew, Misha and Michael, the joy of the adventure of each new day. Gypsy is deaf, he is blind, almost toothless at this point, but I watch him sniff the air and he knows too that it is morning even though still dark and remains so now for him.
This year the tree won't have the precious heirloom ornaments because two little kittens live here now. One morning several weeks ago, I went to a town called Robert. There is a small supermarket there, immaculately kept and run by warm and friendly people. Many of the cashiers are young girls doing the work I did at their age. Well, that particular morning, one of the women who works there told me that someone had left two little kittens in the trash.
They live here now; their names are Gracia and Jesse. The older cats have accepted them as has Gypsy. There is a hound here too, lost, and not yet reunited with kith and kin.
The cats like to sit with the cockatiels as they sing along with ABBA or Gloria Estefan, their favorites.
All of these animals celebrate the blessings of life.
They have much to teach us as they share bowls of food, yes, of course, including what is on my plate.
It makes me wonder if we are too easily ready to put life in the trash heap; if we have grown too busy, too callous to sniff the morning air and know that each minute of each day holds such vast potential for adventure, for sharing, for the peace of Gloria singing about an arbolito, a little tree.
Have we forgotten that we were meant to sing along together?
To share our bowls of food?
We are at war; there is an orange alert; there are terrorists, and poverty and hunger and war all with their insatiable jaws feeding on us.
Or are we serving ourselves up to these gaping maws?
Perhaps that is the question this holiday season: what are we going to do about it?
Einstein once said something to the affect that you need a different kind of thinking to solve a problem than the kind of thinking that got you into the problem in the first place.
Let's not throw life into the trash can as each life that is thrown there diminishes all life. Let's think about that and remember what Rabbi Hillel said in the first century BCE:
If not now, when?
If not by me, by whom?
My prayers for all of us. May we learn to reflect the beauty of the Creation we were given; the wonder of each moment of life.
Remy
Project Gutenberg.
Project Gutenberg is helping to preserve literature.
Can you help?
Do you have time to proofread a page a day?
Project Gutenberg.
Hero Miles - You Can Help a GI Get Home.
Find out how at Hero Miles.
What we are capable of Achieving, and Sharing.
I spent today in New Orleans at the New Orleans Museum of Art gifted by the people of Egypt who have loaned us an extraordinary collection. If you are anywhere near the Crescent City from now until the 25th of February this is a MUST SEE collection.
The exhibit, The Quest for Immortality, is presented with grace, attended with respect. The people, and there were many, visiting today, were hushed, intent, and awed by this loan from the Supreme Council of Antiquities, Cairo.
The exhibition was organized by United Exhibits Group, Copenhagen and the National Gallery of Art in cooperation with the Supreme Council of Antiquities.
An added delight is the recently completed Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden just behind the museum. The lush almost 5 acre garden is home to fifty scupltures, live oaks, pines, magnolias, and camellias.
Designed by Lee Ledbetter of Lee Ledbetter Architects of New Orleans, and landscape architect Brian Sawyer of Sawyer/Berson, New York the Sculpture Garden is open to the public at no charge.
It is beautiful, an enchanted oasis, and again something you do not want to miss.
NOMA.
This visit, and those of you who spend time here know I have a grasshopper mind, led me to thinking of the tremendous beauty of which we are capable.
There is Monet's Giverny.
There were the The Hanging Gardens of Babylon.
We could spend all night here listing the beauty we are capable of creating.
Let that be our intent as the old year ends and the new begins.
Let us tap the best of our creative powers; let us share. Thank you Egypt for what you have so graciously shared with New Orleans.
Sometimes Christmas Doesn't Go Quite The Way You Planned It.
From the Times Picayune readers Yule Be Sorry.
Blessings.
May the holiday season bring you joy, love, abundance, and health.
Let us place peace in our hearts so we may bring peace in the world.
Happy Holidays,
Remy
Bethlehem.
From CNN.com and John Vause Bleak Days in Bethlehem.
Reinstate Draft???.
From Time Magazine Should the Draft Be Reinstated?.
Boxing Day.
Boxing Day originated in England where servants had to work on Christmas Day. The day after, they were given off, given boxed presents. Boxing Day.
I went to the news online this morning and found myself on immediate overload: poison gases take lives; mudslides, a terrible life eating earthquake in Iran; air crashes; assassination attempts; orange alerts, and, of course, war.
We are instantly connected now. We cannot claim the ostrich position. We KNOW even when we don't want to. We know the hurt, the pain, the need and we KNOW how very fragile the planet is.
A wonderful man I know sent people he knew a smile for Christmas; a smile to be passed on to others. It can begin with a smile; a helping hand. Sometimes all it takes to be able to carry on is the knowledge that someone knows, that someone cares, that someone stands behind you and tells you, "Yes, you can, my dear." I know what those words meant to me during a rough time.
Yes, we can, we all can if we help each other.
Let me ask you a question. How many of you know the kind of person who literally sucks the air out of a room with their negativity making everyone uncomfortable, edgy?
Iraq.
From the Washington Post, Jackie Spinner and Ariana unjung Cha U.S. Decisions On Iraq Spending Made in Private.
Who Will Care for the Children?.
In my book, Letty, which takes place between 1873 and 1920, the main characters raise the question about the newly emerging industrial society - Who will raise the children?
It is over 100 years later and we are still asking the same question.
From Senator Chris Dodd (D) of Connecticut and Tom Paine.com America's Forgotten Future.
Tragedy in Iran.
A terrible tragedy has visited the people of Iran. May they find the strength and help they need to face this great loss. Supreme leader visits quake zone.
Vietnam Dog Tags.
I was referred to this site this morning.
It will be of interest to many of you.
Vietnam Dog Tags.
Evolution is More Important that Resolutions. Remy Benoit
Happy New Year!
Just remember this quote from Anais Nin:
Dreams are necessary to life.
We hold on to too much that we don’t need and that leaves us too little space in our lives for that which we do need. The things that we continue to carry with us from our vast history of expectations and obligations can weigh very heavy on the now us. They can stifle the possible us.
What We Owe Those Who Serve.
This is an editorial from the Washington Post. It is a reminder of our,personal and public, debt to, and the responsibility for, those who serve. Our prayers are with you.
Keep letters and packages going to those in service. Let them know we are here for them. And when they come home, don't forget the Welcome Home.
Don't leave them unattended when they are mending.
Understand that they have known things that will leave emotional scars.
Understand that a Vet is one who has served you.
New Year.
David Hackworth.
From Soldiers for the Truth and David Hackworth Saddam in the Slammer, so why are we on Orange?.
Also from Soliders for the Truth: Holiday Care for the Troops.
Domestic Violence.
From CNN.com Lieberman is proposing a Lieberman offers domestic violence plan.
This plan is directed toward women and children, but we must remember that men are abused too.
And yes, we still need legislation about this issue, but the bigger issue remains with us. What is it about the way we live, the way we raise our children, that allows this domestic violence to occur?
If he, if she, hurts you, physically or verbally, sorry, that is not love. Love is kind. Get help.
National Domestic Violence Hotline.
Battered Men.
What Men Can Do to Stop Domestic Violence.
Women Against Domestic Violence, Inc.
Excuses for Domestic Violence.
Remember the simple Biblical phrase: Love is kind.
If you need help, you need to ask for it. Don't worry about the embarassment that the one who should love you the most is hurting you. That is an ego thing; help is a survival and healing thing. Go for it, NOW. The guilt is not yours. It belongs to the abuser. Stop carrying it for her/him
There is also help for the PTSD that goes with this. National Center for PTSD.
News for the Soul.
Would you like to listen to, read about, good news for a change?
Check this one out:)
News for the Soul.
Sugar Bowl.
From the Times Picayune Final Destination.
GO LSU!!!
From French Quarter Fiction: The Newest Stories of America's Oldest Bohemia. Be sure to check out my story, ANNIE.
Thank you Louisiana for how good you have been to me!
Shattered Lives in Wake of Quake.
From the Washington Post and and Karl Vick: Starting Over on Ancient Ground Iranians Struggle As Some peak Of Rebuilding Bam.
We Need to Study History.
To understand who were are; to understand why we are the way we are; to understand our potential; to understand each other, we need to study history.
We are more comfortable with that which is familiar. We can learn to live with what we understand, with what we learn we can do something about. It is a very small and fragile planet, and, once again, it is all about choices well founded in knowledge not in raging emotions.
You can start here: World History.
"Reflecting Absence".
From CNN.com Winning WTC memorial design by Michael Arad revealed.
We will rebuild. It is who we are.
Through all of this we must be aware of who we truly are; each of us as individuals, each of us as part of the "grand experiment" that didn't fail.
Our Constitution gives us room to grow; may our hearts do the same.
May this design help us remember those we have lost. Let us honor their deaths with the way we live our lives.
An Oasis from all the Angst.
I came upon a beautiful site this morning.
SnowwOwl.
Take the time to read the writings in the Guest Contributions beginning with What is Freedom by Red Feather.
In the news.
We have pictures from Mars as we reach out into the solar system on our way to the Prime Directive. For many of us, Kirk and Picard are sort of "family." But they are not there to save us, to save the Universe. That we must do ourselves. Can we grow into those roles? Only if we decide to "Engage," and to "Make it so."
From CNN.com and Reuters Astronomers find sun's 'twin'.
Meanwhile, back here on planet, "in country" as it were:
From the Washington Post Iraq's Arsenal Was Only on Paper
Since Gulf War, Nonconventional Weapons Never Got Past the Planning Stage By Barton Gellman.
From CNN.com Sky marshals plan brings backlash.
From Fox News.com Pointing Fingers at Fingerprinting by Neil Cavuto. There are 6 consecutive words in this article that disturb me. Can you guess what they are?
A Purple Heart - 62 Years Later.
From the Folsom Telegraph and Susan Laird Sixty-two years later, Purple Heart awarded
Survivor of Bataan death march is finally honored
.
Please note what James M. Hildebrand has to say about the study of history!
War Casualties Continue to Mount.
From the AP Press and the Times Picayune of New Orleans A daily look at U.S. military deaths in Iraq.
Government and Religion.
The debate over the place of religion in our government has gone on since its inception with both sides of the issue adamant in their positions.
Common Dreams.org One Nation, Under Secularism by Susan Jacoby.
George Washington's prayer :
"Almighty God; We make our earnest prayer that Thou wilt keep the United States in Thy holy protection; that Thou wilt incline the hearts of the citizens to cultivate a spirit of ubordination and obedience to government; and entertain a brotherly affection and love for one another and for their fellow citizens of the United states at large. And finally that Thou wilt most graciously be pleased to dispose us all to do justice, to love mercy, and to demean ourselves with that charity, humility, and pacific temper of mind which were the characteristics of the Divine Author of our blessed religion, and without a humble imitation of whose example in these things we can never hope to be a happy nation. Grant our supplication, we beseech Thee, through Jesus Christ, Our Lord. Amen."
Many peoples from many nations have come to the United States since Washington's time. We have moved from the "melting pot" to "multi-culturalism" and with that the debate on government and religion continues, indeed, perhaps intensifies.
In 1954 the words "Under God" were added to the Pledge of Allegiance, and thus it became a prayer as well as a pledge. For a history of this oath, visit with The Pledge of Allegiance A Short History
by Dr. John W. Baer. and if you haven't ever read Edward Bellamy's, Looking Backward, 1888 mentioned at the site, you might just consider doing so. Project Gutenberg. AND, if you are interested in helping to proof books for preservations Distributed Proofreading.
The debate will continue.
Day is Done.
Today we see the passing of Alfred Pugh, the last known combat-wounded U.S. veteran of World War One. He knew the Meuse-Argonne and in 1999 was honored as Chevalier of the National Order of the Legion of Honor of France.
They went "Over There" to make the world safe for democracy. They went to fight the "War to End All Wars." They went through hell in trenches, in No Man's Land.
I recall when a student trying to do research came to me and told me that there was no World War II, just something called the Great War. His problem was that his encyclopedia dated from 1938 and did not have the second war after the War To End All Wars.
Rest in peace, Mr. Pugh and thank you for your service.
Last Wounded U.S. WWI Veteran Dies at 108.
Adaptations That Came From Necessity.
From Susan B. Glasser and the Washington Post Handmade Versions Of Soviet History An Artist Shows Off Makeshift Objects People Used to Cope With Shortages. A look back at the USSR and consumer product shortages.
Casualty Rates Continue to Rise.
We don't see them being shipped home on the news everyday like we did with Vietnam, but the numbers rise nonetheless.
From CNN.com
100th U.S. military death reported in Afghanistan.
U.S. helicopter goes down west of Baghdad Homemade bomb kills U.S. soldier.
From the AP Press, Sarah Deeb, and the Times Picayune of New Orleans: Hundreds demonstrate in Iraqi city to protest woman's arrest.
Mars and the Moon.
From CNN.com and Miles O'Brien Bush to seek billions for moon, Mars treks.
From Modbee.com the AP Press and Scott Lindlaw Bush to announce manned missions to Mars, moon.
From the Washington Times and Charles Rousseaux Shooting for the Moon?
VETERANS' OWNED SMALL BUSINESS PROCUREMENT PROGRAM.
"Engage."
Bush Speech at NASA HQ.
Transcript of President Bush's Speech at NASA HQ.
Baby, It's Cold Outside.
For those of you suffering from the winter onslaughter of the snow and deep freeze, please be careful. Join CNN.com for some things that may help you get through it. Special Report: Winter Weather.
500 + 1.
That is the number this morning; 501 GI's lost in this war. That doesn't include the wounded.
Numbers are cold things when we look at them.
We need to put them in perspective.
What was the size of your high school graduating class? Does that make the number 501 seem more real?
It is the election year. We hear endless campaign speeches, endless promises, allegations, whatevers. I am not hearing how hopefuls would deal with this war, piece by piece, step by step, peace by peace.
I do not want to hear about a "secret plan" for peace. We have been there, done that. We need to get beyond the glitz and get to the plans to sort this all out. Who has what plan?
While the electoral process is set up in Iraq, people are dying; people are being injured; lives are being turned upside down on all sides.
I am all for the exploration of space; but we have this space to deal with now. We have a question to ask of ourselves; what will we take with us into space? What do we intend to do with space once we get there?
From CNN.com Three U.S. soldiers among 5 killed in Iraq blast American death toll rises to 500 since war began.
From the AP Press and the Times Picayune:
State-by-state breakdown of U.S. deaths in the Iraqi conflict.
American soldiers killed in action since World War II.
A Salute to Our Veterans.
From the Washington Post
and Daniel Williams Clerics Urge Shiites to Protest
Call for Iraqi Elections Carries Hint of Violence.
and Robin WrightU.N. Support Crucial in Iraq, U.S. Says
White House Plans To Appeal to Body To Send Envoys.
Faces of the Fallen.
We must look at these faces and demand answers from all the candidates. We owe those who served and gave their all that much. We owe those who served and are wounded that much.
" If not now, when?"
Daniel Webster.
Webster was born on January 18, 1782.
He was noted for his eloquence.
When was the last time that you sat down and read something from the archives of our history?
Sometimes it is good to take a "refresher course" about who we are and where we came from.
Our road to January 18, 2004 has not been smooth.
Our roses have had thorns; they have been bloodied.
Mr. Webster is noted for this speech.
Liberty and Union, Now and Forever, One and Inseparable
JANUARY 26, 1830.
"I Have a Dream".
Many of you will be off work tomorrow.
Some of you are old enough to remember this speech.
For others it will be new.
Dr. Martin Luther King I Have a Dream.
Demands for Elections in Iraq.
From CNN.com
Iraqis march ahead of U.N. meeting.
Japan in historic Iraq deployment.
Danish army: Iraqi shells WMD-free.
From the Washington Post
Blood, Bewilderment and Rage By Pamela Constable.
Foreign Policy in Court.
Turning Troops Into Teachers Popular Program Becomes Recruiting Tool for Hard-to-Fill Classroom Jobs
By Rosalind S. Helderman.
Khe Sanh.
Remembrances of Khe Sanh By Jim Wodecki USMC, FLC, FLSG-A, Khe Sanh 66-67.
State of the Union.
From Naples, Florida, the Naples Daily News Full Text of President Bush's State of the Union Speech.
From CNN.com Response from Pelosi, Daschle.
From the Washington Post and David Von Drehle
Analysis A Reactive Tone Shows His Ears Have Been Burning.
From the Washington Post Foreign Service and Pamela Constable Chaplain Puts Green Beret Past to Use With Troops
Exploits Inspire 'Awe Factor' in Iraqi Thicket.
Election 2004.
From the Washington Post Election 2004.
Please note: Look where it says Election 2004 and click on Comparing the Candidates: Choose the Issues and See the Differences.
Putting Things Into Perspective.
Sometimes we need to sit back and remember that we are caretakers of a very fragile planet.
From Southwestern England comes a reminder that we are not the only inhabitants of this earth. If you put things on the scale of the scope of the planet's history, they begin to fall into perspective. We all need perspective. We all need to remember that we are not the only life forms.
From CNN.com 50,000-year-old mammoth found in gravel pit.
If you have never read the story, perhaps you should find a copy of Ray Bradbury's, There Will Come Soft Rains. It is an interesting reminder of our fragility on a quite different level. This one will especially appeal to you Techies out there!
By the way, some of our feathered co-habitants are in danger. Can you help? Help a Whooping Crane.
Down History Lane: The Blizzard of 1888.
This has been a bad winter weatherwise, but we do have the advantages of heated homes, indoor privies, and weather forecasting.
In March of 1888 New York City was hit with a surprise blizzard of staggering proportions.
Keep the faith, Spring will come.
In letters and pictures, the Blizzard of 1888
Blilzzard of 1888.
Picture History.
A New Constitution for Afghanistan.
From the AP Press, Stephen Graham and the Times Picayune Afghan president signs new constitution.
9/11 Panel Findings.
From the Washington Post and Dan Eggen
9/11 Panel Faults U.S. For Letting Hijackers In .
Center for Immigration Studies.
A Curriculum of United States Labor History for Teachers.
Sponsored by the Illinois Labor History Society.
WMD Findings.
From CNN.com Bush defends Iraq war in face of WMD findings.
Iraq.
From CNN.com Truck bomb detonates outside Baghdad hotel.
Home Schooled Kids Go Off to College.
From CNN.com Home-schooled students head to college.
Tet Offensive.
Thirty-six yeare ago, or yesterday.
The Tet Offensive of 1968.
Vietnam.
Published on Sunday, September 30, 2001 in the Los Angeles Times Vietnam's 1968 Tet Offensive Offers Parallels for Today by A.J. Langguth.
Surprised at Tet: U.S. Naval Forces in Vietnam, 1968 by Glenn E. Helm Reference Librarian, Navy Department Library, Naval Historical Center.
Something to Think About.
From the Washington Post and Ellen Goodman Echoes of McNamara and 'Nam.
WMD Inquiry.
From CNN.com Bush to pick panel for WMD inquiry, official says
Independent probe of intelligence has bipartisan support.
A Different Perspective.
Sometimes it is good to look at things from a different viewpoint. Join CNN.com and some graduate architecture students from Spokane Students find beauty along mundane highway.
How many other things in our lives do we need to step back from at look at from a different viewpoint?
It is Not What the Situation is But What You Take to IT.
Next Thursday is Mr. Lincoln's birthday. You all remember the stories of the log cabin, old barrel, learning to read in less than perfect circumstances. Whatever your feelings about Mr. Lincoln, he did "carry on" despite many obstacles.
The History Place Presents Abraham Lincoln.
Some of us are snow bunnies, others, like me, aren't, but these people like the challenge of the snow and ice. There are some good survival tips in this piece, and with the winter the way it has been, I thought it would be a good idea to draw your attention to it.
From CNN.com and Helyn Trickey Snow campers brave elements for icy wonderland.
It has been said that courage is not the lack of fear, but showing up, and taking a stand. Your resolve in any situation is your strength.
Phenomenal Women.com.
Are you someone who needs help?
Do you know someone who needs help?
This is a good place to start: Phenomenal Women of the Web.
There are many things in our world that we do not like to talk about. They need not only talking about, but doing something about. Domestic violence, whether directed to spouse, male or female, or to children is one of those things.
Abuse, physical or verbal, is destructive to all concerned. Trying to "make it better" doesn't work. Excuses for it don't work. Getting help, getting away from it does work. Start, start today.
At the Movies.
I haven't ever before recommended a movie here, but these three are special.
The are about friendship, determination, courage, temptation, courage, good and evil, courage, and choices.
I have been a Tolkien fan for many, many years.
The Lord of the Rings trilogy is a cinemagraphic wonder. If you haven't seen them, you are missing something truly special.
From CNN.com Hobbits capture key Hollywood award.
Lord of the Rings - Articles and Essays.
Yes, there is violence in them. It is interesting that we talk about the violence in movies when there is so much in the news, in the newspapers, and yet we seem to take that for granted.
It has been said that the really big things that have been done in history have come from the work of one, or a small group of people. That has been true on both sides of the struggle between good and evil.
The Lord of the Rings is a tale of the forces of good going against the seemingly all powerful forces of evil. It is a story of even parts of nature joining the side of the good. That in itself gives pause to think.
It is a tale told on a bigger than life scale. It is a tale of individual choices.
It is a tale of great courage, and courage is being there, scared, of course, but being there.
If you can't get to the movies, then do get to the library.
Changes for the Army.
From the Washington Post and Thomas E. Ricks Army Policy To Reduce Soldier Relocations Change Seeks to Aid Training, Family Life By Thomas E. Ricks.
Violence in a Time of War.
From Time Online Edition and By BRIAN BENNETT | ARBIL Will Iraq Start to Unravel?.
From CNN.com Car bomb kills 45 would-be Iraqi soldiers Attack comes day after explosion kills 50.
From the Times Picayune and the Associated Press Deadly attacks in Iraq since war began.
On CNN tonight 9 ET National Security Adviser Condoleezza Rice talks with Larry King about WMD and why we went to war with Iraq
"Greatest Threat to Humanity Today".
From CNN.com Bush: WMD greatest threat to humanity Calls for new efforts to stop proliferation.
Operation Homecoming, 1973.
Operation Homecoming.
C-141 Played Role in Repatriation of Prisioners.
Vietnam War: Operation Homecoming.
Picture History: Operation Homecoming.
Thank you for your service.
Art and Storytelling from Denmark: Asbjorn Lonvig.
Sometimes we need to be reminded that there is bright color, joy, and caring in the world. We become numbed by one negative news report after another.
But there is another view of life.
A view of life filled with vibrancy, and hope.
From Denmark join Asbjorn Lonvig. in a world of vibrant art and storytelling.
Something to Think About.
There is positive energy is being for something constructive, healing, and loving.
This thought from George Bernard Shaw:
This is the true joy in life, the being used for a purpose recognized by yourself as a mighty one; the being thoroughly worn out before you are thrown on the scrap heap; the being a force of nature instead of a feverish selfish little clod of ailments and grievances complaining that the world will not devote itself to making you happy.
Remember this idea from Maslow - It is not what has happened to you, it is what you have done with the experience that counts.
Happy Valentine's Day.
Law making in Iraq.
From the Times Picayune and Jim Krane of
The Associated Press U.S. administrator threatens veto of Iraqi Islamic law measure.
Islamic Law: Sharia.
Forgotten Heroes.
Many people in this country are not aware that dogs did active service in Vietnam.
Visit with these American Forgotten Heroes: Vietnam War Dogs.
Darwin.
With evolution still such a source of argumentation...
From CNN.com Remains of Darwin's ship may lie under Essex mud.
Thank you for your patience.
We're back. All the computer stuff is finished.
Here in Louisiana it is Mardi Gras time, so Laissez les bon temps rouler.
Let the good times roll.
Mardi Gras was cancelled during WWII. As I understand it, it was cancelled one year for the Korean War, none for the one in Vietnam.
For those of you who can't join us, well, share the party at Mardi Gras.
And, there are still hotel rooms available!
From Iraq:
CNN.com Bremer: No Iraqi polls for a year.
Japan on alert as troops depart.
And to add a little perspective to our wars and our parties, something to think about here:
From CNN.com and Robert Roy Britt Black hole seen ripping star apart.
Planetoids, Termites, and Travel.
Once again we are reminded of the vast expanse of the Creation, however we believe it came to be. And once again we need to think about our place in it all.
From CNN.com:
Astronomers spy 'planetoid' half Pluto's size.
By Michael Schulder Hidden, hungry invader threatens city of Mardi Gras.Avid wreckers: City fights Formosan termites
Tennessee: Trail to trace diverse religious heritage.
Questions About the Use of the Military in a Free Society.
From Fox News.com and Peter Brownfeld Defining the Domestic Role of the Military.
To clarify some of the references in the above, please visit with:
Reporting from the front lines: US in WWI.
WWW-VL: HISTORY: USA: 1910-1920.
A. Mitchell Palmer.
Soviet Ark.
Paralyzed Veterans Meet With Young People.
Paralyzed Vets visit with Maryland Youth.
Origins of Mars?.
From CNN.com Mars rover discoveries point to planet's origins.
Back here on earth, from the Times Picayune and the Newshouse News Service, the plant that plagues the South just might have a silver lining! Kudzu may help fight age-related diseases.
Bringing History Alive at Valley Forge.
Those of you who have visited the area know how lovely Valley Forge is. It is also home to a large part of our history as a democratic people.
Here is something to look forward to!
From the Philadelphia Inquirer and Nancy Petersen A museum molded for Valley Forge By Nancy Petersen.
Louisiana Soldier Killed in Iraq Honored at Home.
From the Times Picayune and the Associated Press Fallen soldier from Alabama unit honored in Louisiana hometown.
Veteran Mental Health Care.
From NPR All Things Considered VA Mental Health Services.
Putting Things in Perspective. Remy Benoit
Perhaps it is because I am getting older.
Aren't you supposed to get a bit grumpy as you get older?
But watching the TV, the new "reality show" ads, the in your face extremely bad taste commercials, I can't help but wonder where are our heads are?
What passes for "family" entertainment and commercials makes me wonder "whose family, on what planet?"
I am not into the "ah, in the good old days we" thing.
Were the 50's good old days? Korea, McCarthy, Hungary, Cold War?
How about the 60's? Assassinations, Cuba, Vietnam, cities burning? When young people tell me they wish they had lived in the 60's, well, I tell them, "No, no you don't."
Then there are the 70's, 80's, 90's. Which of them rank as the "good old days?"
I read Jimmy Breslin's piece this morning from Newsday.com
It is not pleasant. It is certainly in your face, as it should be, about our perspectives, our priorities. It is not for the sensitive, but maybe, just maybe it is time that we get sensitive; that we face reality; that we see the face of the soldier "on Page 18" and when we paste up our newspapers we do a little re-shuffling of priorities, perspectives, and sensitivities.
From Jimmy Breslin and Newsday.com Haunted By A Soldier's Face.
Iraq - Arabs and Kurds.
From the AP Press, Scherezade Faramarzi, and the Times Picayune Kirkuk.
War and Military Families.
From David Wood and Newhouse News War's Invisible Casualties: The Families of Part-Time Soldiers.
You Can Help Make Things Better.
This morning I direct your attention to two organizations that want to help heal the world.
What can a $10 a month contribution possibly do to help alleviate suffering? Go to The $10 Club.
Are you concerned about the state of the Mississippi River and other rivers? Find out what is happening to clean them up at Living Lands and Waters.
Violence Rocks Iraq on Ashura Holy Day.
From CNN.com Blasts rock Baghdad, Karbala.
Ashura.
An Oasis.
Some of you may be familiar with the site
Inner Self.com.
It offers you a wide range of essays, book reviews, insights that will help provide an oasis of comfort, growth, and thought to your day.
This is a featured article by Gerald G. Jampolsky who talks with us about the choice between fear and love. Being Love.
Today in US History.
It is the 3rd of March.
Lots of things that will ring familiar made their debut on this day. This is an interesting site and you can check out your own birthday too.
Those Were the Days.
End of an Era.
From CNN.com Godzilla taking a break -- for now
Japanese film producer putting star on hiatus.
Spring Is On Its Way.
Spring is reaching out to us here in Louisiana,reminding us that life reaches for itself; for growth and fruition.
I have planted many vegetables and flowers as well as fruit bearing bushes. There is joy and connection in garden work and I believe it is a responsibility of parenting to teach the young the satisfaction of preparing food they have grown.
I don't feel that canning and drying food should be allowed to become "forgotten arts."
If you would like to know about these arts, I suggest the series of Foxfire books and John Seymour's The Self-Sufficient Life and How to Live It: The Complete Back-to-Basics Guide.
There are many rituals and traditions surrounding Spring. For information on these do visit Solstice and Equinox.
Plant something in the ground, in a pot, in an old teacup and enjoy watching it grow.
Start a compost pile to help give back to the earth.
Take a walk in the sun.
Say hello to blooming cherry tree.
Re-connect and touch Creation.
Be what you want the world to be.
If you would like to share your feelings about Spring do write to me through Feedback.
Blessings,
Remy
American Heritage Magazine.
I would like to bring your attention to the March 2004 issue of American Heritage Magazine.
There are some articles I feel would be of particular interest to you:
Mike McLaughlin's Anatomy of a Crisis about the USS Maddox in the Tonkin Gulf;
Kevin Baker's "Your Brave and Early Fallen Child..." How Should a President Honor the War Dead?;
David Hackett Fischer's The Spirit of '76.
You may visit with American Heritage Magazine.
and with the USS Maddox Association.
Needs of Veterans.
From Scott Heiser,the Colorado Daily ( University of Colorado), and Veterans for Common Sense: War's hidden costs.
A Perspective on Economics 101.
From Thom Hartmann and Common Dreams.org Democracy - Not "The Free Market" - Will Save America's Middle Class.
10th Planet?.
While the new Spanish government is planning on pulling troops out of Iraq in the coming months Spain PM-elect: Troops out of Iraq.
and the election debates go on Officials defend Bush from Kerry criticism.
scientists may have found the 10th planet of the solar system: Scientists find '10th planet'.
KEEP IN MIND - WHILE THE CAMPAIGNING GOES ON AND B-BALL GAMES ARE ON THE TUBE - OUR SOLDIERS ARE IN IRAQ - THEY ARE DOING A SOLDIER'S DUTY AND THEY ARE BEING WOUNDED AND THEY ARE DYING.
Do them the honor of looking into their faces and thanking them for their lives. It doesn't matter what your position is on this war - they are paying the price. From CNN.com again Forces: U.S. & Coalition/Casualties.
Windstar Wildlife Institute.
A friend sent me pictures of Mars today.
Scientists feel that they have perhaps found the 10th planet in the Solar System.
I chat with "invisible ink" here with people across the world each day.
The solar system, the planet itself, grows smaller everyday. We know of things, we use things, unimagined by most of the people who ever lived.
I took a walk today with my son around the property. There are tiny wildflowers popping up all about in all their pink, yellow, white, and purple wonder. Daffodils, hosta, gladiolas are reaching for the sun.
The crayfish are busy building their fascinating mounds.
Life flourishes with abundance when we encourage it. The climbing roses are reaching for support.
The planet asks for our support.
Click and read the interview with Thomas Patrick, WindStar Wildlife Institute.
And then, visit with WindStar.
Two Tropical Birds Join the Extinct List.
From by Joshua Reichert, the Los Angeles Times, and Common Dreams. One by One, the World Is Becoming a Lonelier Place.
Budgets and National Parks.
From USA Today and By Kitty Bean Yancey Cost crunch will force national parks to slash services Reports warn of 'crippling' cuts.
Differing Interpretations of the News.
From CNN.com Powerful blast shatters Baghdad hotel.]
From Reuters and CNN.com House terrorism debate turns bitter.
From CNN.com Spain: Hunt stepped up for bombers.
The world mourns the losses that Spain has suffered. Know that our prayers are with you.
From CNN.com Muslims, Europeans 'wary' of U.S.
From Mark Engler and Tom Paine.com The Movement's Momentum.
From Salim Lone, Globe and Mail, and Common Dreams.org Spain: An Example For Us All Madrid's Decision to Pull its Troops from Iraq Unless the UN Takes Over Doesn't Give in to Terrorists -- it Undercuts Them.
George Bush.
John Kerry.
From the AP Press and the Times Picayune Congress-Iraq-Resolution.
From Jim Abrams, the AP Press and the Times Picayune House Iraq resolution turns into partisan debate.
On the Practical Side.
This website was sent to me today and I thought it might be useful to some of you. Thanks for pointing it out, Barry.
Mr. Fix It.
A Personal Note: Northeast High, Philadelphia, 122nd Class.
This June we celebrate the 40th anniversary of our high school graduation.
THAT is very hard to believe!!
I am curious as to whether some of you are still following " The Impossible Dream. "
I wonder how many of you still live in the same area or have moved far from home.
I wonder what joys and woes life has brought you and how you have lived through them.
You won't recognize this name; women do have name changes :)
But I will give you a couple hints that narrows down such a huge Baby Boomer class.
My hair was reddish brown, still is; I was very shy, and took Latin for 4 years.
And I would love to hear from you.
So, just click on feedback and say "Hey."
Blessings,
Remy
A Thought for the Day and Every Day.
We live in a time of incredible change.
No one of us could even begin to process the amount of information available to us each day.
Yet with all the labor saving devices, with all the instant communication, day by day we seem to have less and less time.
Perhaps because of the time crunch, and workers in the US have less vacation than other comparable cultures, while many people have no idea of even the concept of vacation time, little thought, little attention is given to the glaring information, the reality, that hunger, disease, poverty, starvation, and war are still very much a part of our lives on the planet.
The technology will continue to change, perhaps even more quickly than we can keep up with it. That is a natural evolution.
The labor saving devices will continue to be developed following the same evolutionary lines.
We need to think about the planet; we need to think about how we are going to fuel all these innovations; we need to think about how we are going to bring them to all people, not just some people. We need to learn to share our milk and cookies as grownup, responsible Terrans.
And that brings us to the real work of this still new century.
The work of this century, the work of all of us this century, is work on the spirit; work on connecting with each other and the planet. We need new myths, connecting myths, that show us our similarities rather than feed our differences.
We need larger than life images so we can become larger than the ego life; so we can grow into the spirit and continue the Creation rather than destroy it, ourselves, and the planet.
In the words of Arnold Toynbee:
To get to know each other on a worldwide scale is the human race's most urgent need today.
Remember that to have peace one must be peace and that comes from inner work being reflected in outer life.
We can "make it so," but like anything else we want in our lives, we must truly want it.
Once again, we come back to choices.
Finding Your Own Path Home.
I would like to draw your attention to the April 2004 Issue of Better Homes and Garden Magazine and an article by Sharon Overton called Healing, Giving, Baking.
It is the story of one woman's journey to healing by keeping journals and baking cakes for her friends and her book shop specializing in cook books.
Each of us has a special love for something. Perhaps like this woman you can find peace through doing what you like to do.
You can visit Better Homes and Gardens. and find information on cooking, crafts, health, redecorating, and gardening, all good paths to healing.
And if you have a soft spot for the critters, click here Pet Photo Contest.
"(75 percent) believe veteran’s health care should be a "top to high funding priority" in the federal budget.".
From the Paralyzed Veterans of America...
"Most Americans (87 percent) also support making veteran’s health care funding mandatory."
For the full article: Americans Voice Strong Support for Veterans Health Care and Benefits; Most Say Veterans Issues Will Play Role in Election Decision.
HR 163.
Universal National Service Act of 2003 (Introduced in House).
In search box, type in HR 163
President Bush -Hans Blix - Colin Powell - Kofi Annan - and Others.
From Reuters, Common Dreams.org and Andrew Stern
Blix Says Iraq War May Have Worsened Terror Threat.
From Reuters, Common Dreams.org and Arshad Mohammed
Arab Journalists Walk Out of Colin Powell's Press Conference.
From Mother Jones.com The "A" Word.
From Fox News.com and Lisa Porteus Bush Marks First Anniversary of Iraq War.
Protest National and International.
From CNN.com Protesters rally against Iraq war, occupation
Worldwide demonstrations mark year of conflict.
From MoveOn.org Honor Our Troops.
A Different Dimension to Terrorism?.
From Time.com and Tony Karon Why the Qaeda Threat is Growing.
Funding Elections.
Did you ever wonder about funding political campaigns; where the money comes from; who donates to whom; what restrictions there are?
You will find some of the answers to those questions here: White House for Sale.
9/11 Revisited.
From CNN.com 9/11 panel holds public hearing Tuesday Rumsfeld, Powell to testify.
From Fox News.com Panel Probes Bush, Clinton Response to Al Qaeda.
From CBS News.com
Clarke's Take On Terror.
Excerpt: 'Against All Enemies'.
From the AP Press, Tom Raum, and the Dayton Daily News.com
White House Rebuts Ex- Bush Adviser Claim.
Commission Continues.
From Common Dreams.org and by John V. Whitbeck A Moment to Pause and Reflect.
From Fox News.com and Lisa Porteus Clarke: 'Your Government Failed You'.
From CNN.com Charges, countercharges on 9/11 Gripping testimony as panel ends hearings.
From the San Francisco Chronicle and Edward Epstein, Chronicle Washington Bureau Ex-terrorism chief Clarke tangles with GOP critics
Families of Sept. 11 victims praise his blunt testimony at hearing.
From the New York Times, Veterans for Common Sense.org The Things They Wrote
Fallen Soldiers from Operation Iraqi Freedom.
From Newhouse News and Bruce Alpert Veterans Protest Reduced Medical Exams for Returning Soldiers.
From AlterNet.org and David Sirota, Christy Harvey and Judd Legum The Progress Report: Analyzing the Testimony.
The Commission and Ms. Rice.
From CNN.com Bush insists he would have stopped 9/ 11 attacks if possible
Rice seeks another private meeting with commission .
Medical Problems with Troops.
From David Goldstein, Knight Ridder Newspapers and Veterans for Common Sense.org -Pentagon Confirms.
We Still Have a Long Way to Go.
Does it surprise you that " 80% of all refugees and displaces persons globally are women and children?"
That is simply one thing that Women For Women. can explain to you. Please visit them.
S1353 `Widows and Orphans Act of 2003'. could help protect women and children at risk.
An International Priority List. Remy Benoit
Early this morning I took our little puppy Boo out for a walk. The sun was just coming up and its rays filtered and dispersed through the mist onto a patch of clover. It was lovely, quiet, and yes, holy.
As I read and listen to the news, I am, like you are bombarded with negativity, fear, anger.It doesn't make me feel like the sun on the clover did this morning.
Here in the States it is an election year with all kinds of questions being raised, all kinds of accusations being made, all kinds of special interest groups with their own particular voices.
The international news is of the same nature.
We tend to have our priority lists of what needs to be done this day, this week, this month, this year. What we haven't caught on to is that what happens everywhere else on this fragile blue planet impacts on that list.
People are starving in huge numbers "out there;" wars are waging across the globe. Some of you may have someone you love involved in one of them. Some of you are living with, suffering with the residuals of another one. Some of those "out there starving" are just around the corner from you.
There are children from ghettos who cannot conceive of what the word forest means, nor what a warm bed is, or food enough to keep the pains away.
There are adults trying to make it with no jobs available; with bills piling up with no way of repayment. There are people with two minimum wage jobs, and no health benefits from either, who are still not making it.
There are people living in tin covered, leaking, non-heated hovels sans plumbing on poor and non-productive soil that they are trying to bring to fruition.
There is religious, racial, gender, international intolerance, misunderstanding, and non-communication. And because of that, the long, but only partial list of ills, above will continue.
There is the "bottom line" in numbers in ledgers with no thought of the human component of the bottom line.
The media assaults our sensitivities with increasingly vulgar displays and call it "family entertainment."
It is said that we get what we accept. These things all continue because we allow them to. Your voice can make a difference.
http://www.niquahanam.com The Niquahanam Project: Help to Heal the World is a place where you can share your ideas about how to start prioritizing the above list which is barely inclusive. You many add to that environmental concerns, child care, needs for substantial reforms in education, the need to keep the morals observed on your respective weekly Holy Day in tact during the week. The moral structure of the workplace should reflect those propounded on the Holy Days, not the bottom line. If you do not observe one of those a week, well, then the old Golden Rule will do nicely.
Does your village need a well, need schoolbooks? Let us know on the site so others can see your need and hopefully move to fulfill it. School textbooks by the gross go into dust bins each and every June here.
By the way, the folks down in Key West have more chickens and turkeys than they know what to do with. Maybe you need some?
If you are alone, or want someone to "talk with" on line, to share ideas with, let them know.
If you have an idea but not the technical skill to work it out, ask for help.
Ask questions that you would like answered; give answers you have to questions.
Share a story, share a poem, an experience, something that you have learned that might help someone else; in helping someone else, you are helping all of us.
If you need a link or an e-mail activated, click on Feedback and I will see to it.
Do not just sit back and say it is all falling apart, that there is no hope. Do something, say something, share something.
When I was growing up, we had that insane policy of Mutually Assured Destruction. Yes, it truly was quite MAD. But if we don't try to learn about each other, help each other, factor in the humanity being crushed in bottom lines, dying from residuals of wars in their bloodstreams, we are still so much following that path.
Are you aware that all across Europe and Russia, active munitions are still being dug out of the ground from WWII, WWII and in some cases the 1870 war?
Are you aware of what landmines are doing across the globe?
Are you aware that the US is a non-signatory to landmine regulation?
The only way we can prioritize the needs of the planet is if we work together on it.
Express your views, ideas, book reviews, site recommendations, frustrations, observations, ideas, needs with grace and dignity. This is an international family site and vulgarity is not the thing to be bringing to it. Bombs generate more bombs, and so does lack of control in expressing your self generate more fear, hate, and anger. Be for something, try to steer it into a human and planet friendly course.
Again, again, again...it is all in the choices we make.
Again, again, again...it is like Einstein said you cannot solve problems with the same thinking that made them.
Step out of the box and into some new shoes, your own, or take that proverbial walk in someone else's and blaze a new path.
Join us at The Niquahanam Project: Help to Heal the World. a pro bono site for the well being of all of us. Please forward this to your friends as an Open Invitation to share themselves and their ideas with all of us.
Blessings,
Remy Benoit
Military Order of the Purple Heart.
There are many Veterans out there who have earned a Purple Heart.
Do you know what that means?
You can learn about what is necessary, what they have gone through to earn it, at Purple Heart Explanation.
Purple Heart. has information about Veterans benefits, affairs, claims, scholarships, etc.
YOU can help them during this special event drive by sending a $10 donation to:
Tony Rivera at
MOPH
National Region I Commander
1647 William Street
Fort Lee, NJ 07024-2624
They were there for you - please be there for them. And hey, add a note on your check that says, Thank you for your service. You may have no idea how much that means; or maybe you do.
Casualties Mount.
From CNN.com and Mike Mount March second-deadliest for U.S. troops.
From CNN.com
9/11 panel scours Clinton records.
From Common Dreams.org Floor Statement of Sen. Daschle.
If You Served In These Areas You Should Be Aware and HURRAH for Danville.
From Veterans for Common Sense and Reuters522 U.S. Soldiers in Iraq Hit with Leishmaniasis, a Parasitic Skin Infection.
And from Veterans for Sense, the San Francisco Chronicle, and Jim Herron Zamora
SOMETHING TO WARM YOUR HEARTS!!
Welcome Home, Soldier.
"Flawed Sources".
From CNN.com Powell: 'Flawed sources' behind pre-war U.N. testimony.
From Tom Paine.com and Traci Hukill Conscientious Objectors.
From Fox News.com and the AP Press Powell Not Sure Iraq Trailers Were Labs.
Water to Land.
From Scientific American.com
Fins to Limbs.
We need to look beyond ourselves in a vast perspective of the life and our universe to put things in our lives in order.
From The AP Press, The Winnipeg Sun and Alicia Chang Rat genome mapped out
Offers clues to disease research.
From the Hubble Site News Center Hubble's Deepest View Ever of the Universe Unveils Earliest Galaxies.
Cost of War in Iraq by the Minute.
Cost of War.
In the News.
From the New York Times, Mercury News, Douglas Jehl and David E. Sanger Rice at center of terror dispute.
From the San Francisco Chronicle EDITORIAL A free press in Iraq.
From Fox41.com U.S. Launch Operation "Vigilant Resolve" In Fallujah.
From the AP Press, Khalid Mohammed, and Common Dreams.org 10 U.S. Troops Killed in Iraqi Violence.
For Background on the area:
Islamic History.
Middle East History.
Sun Tzu: The Art of War.
Carl Von Clausewitz: On War.
Iraq.
From Bloomberg.com Richard Keil and Joe Sobczyk Bush Affirms Iraq Deadline; Kerry Calls for Diplomacy.
From China View.net Baghdad confident of containing violence: Iraqi interim FM>
War and its Concomitants.
From Newhouse News and Dave Parks Historians Trace Modern Drug Industry Back to Civil War.
From New House News and Mark O'Keefe Desecration of the Dead Sends a Powerful Message to Enemies.
Lawmakers Compare Engagements.
From CNN.com
Lawmakers compare Iraq to Vietnam White House rejects comparisons.
Holy Days in April.
Passover.
Easter.
We need to learn about each others' beliefs...we need to think about our commonalities more than our differences. That way we have a chance to understand the common needs of humans. If we do that we just might leave something of worth as a legacy to our children.
News for Us Cat Lovers.
Oh, yes, there are cats here! 4 ladies.
But how long have they been around the houses of humans? From azcental.com and Dan Vergano House cats date back 9,500 years, excavation finds.
Iraq a Year Later.
From Mercury news.com and Patrick Peterson and Carol Rosenberg Knight Ridder
6 Americans killed in Iraq as violence presses on.
From Boston.com and Audrey McAvoy, Associated Press, Public's anger over crisis tests Koizumi's leadership.
From the Sydney Herald and Reuters Clashes erupt in Baghdad, US offers Falluja truce.
From Cnn.com War in Iraq:Forces: U.S. & Coalition/Casualties.
Up close and personal The Memory Hole
US Military Personnel Wounded in Iraq & Afghanistan: A Running Log.
Iraqi Body Count Project.
War is not pretty. We have to look at it up close and personal. Those who are there are doing just that.
Protests in Central Highlands of Vietnam.
From CNN.com Violent clashes in central Vietnam.
This is Easter Sunday. To all of you abroad in service to your country, Be safe, God speed to bring you home to your loved ones.
Increasing Casualties.
From Veterans for Common Sense.org, cbsnews.com and the AP Press Six Hundred Dead in Fallujah; Sixty Six U.S. Soldiers Killed in Iraq this Month.
9/11 Hearings Continue.
Reno and Ashcroft Scheduled to testify on Tuesday.
From CNN.com and Terry Frieden
CNN Washington Bureau Justice, FBI officials prepare for 9/11 testimony.
From Common Dreams.org
and Walter Cronkite White House Hindering 9/11 Probe.
and Senator Robert Byrd A Call for an Exit Door from Iraq
by Senator Robert Byrd Senate Floor Remarks
April 7, 2004.
President Bush.
CNN.com
Bush stands firm on Iraq, war on terror.
The Casualties Grow and We Mourn.
From the New York Times and Monica Davey Deadly Week Ends in Tears for the Fallen.
War is Personal.
From CNN.com Hometown prays for captured soldier.
Civil War Heroes Honored.
From CNN.com 'Last funeral' of Civil War honors submarine crew.
Bob Woodward: Plan of Attack.
From Veterans for Common Sense, CBS News and Mike Wallace Journalist Shares War Secrets.
US Death Toll Reaches 700 in Iraq.
From CNN.com Eleven more U.S. troops die in Iraq
Spain to withdraw troops 'in the shortest time possible'.
Care for Veterans - Something for all of us to care about.
From Veterans for Common Sense, Diane Sawyer and Paul de la Garza ABC News and St. Petersburg Times
VA Scandals Unfold as Veterans Wait for Medical Care .
From CNN.com Bush urges Patriot Act renewed, expanded.
From Tom Paine.com and Thomas R Asher Losing Control.
From Tom Paine.com and Richard Dreyfuss God Made Me Do It.
From Fox News.com Ridge Forms New Terrorism Task Force.
From Fox News.com Jordanian King Postpones Bush Meeting.
Are you interested in the latest news on Veterans Issues?.
You can sign up for e-mail alerts on Veterans Issues at Google News Alerts: Veterans Issues.
Can You Read This?.
If you can read this, you know how essential reading is to life, to international understanding.
Visit with Room to Read. and see what you can do to help us understand each other.
Wouldn't we rather help children learn to read than see misunderstandings of each other lead to things like this Basra bombs kill at least 68 Iraqis 18 schoolchildren among the dead, police say.
Honoring the Fallen.
From Veterans for Common Sense, the Seattle Times and Hal Bernton The somber task of honoring the fallen.
Military History Dates.
In Vietnam, on this date, the Battle of the Hills began. For other dates in military history visit with Military History Dates.
A Marine was laid to rest yesterday at close to seventy. He was a good man. He liked to laugh. When I was a kid, he teased me good naturedly. He was my cousin.
Bob, you will be missed. Go with God.
A Heart Warming Welcome Home.
From the Times Union and JORDAN CARLEO-EVANGELIST Soldier's mother opens heart, home to an army.
Iraq.
From Voice of America
Baghdad Blast Destroys Building, US Vehicles.
Dozens of Civilians, Several US Soldiers Die in Iraq Kerry Sheridan.
War and Terrorism and the Homefront.
From CNN.com Jordan says major al Qaeda plot disrupted.
From Howard Zinn and Common Dreams.org What Do We Do Now?.
Geroge Bush Agenda.
John Kerry Agneda.
It is necessary to the survival of a democracy that the voters understand the workings of government; that they keep themselves informed.
It is an election year. Do keep informed.
From the Past to the Present in Iran.
From Smithsonian Rocking the Cradle - Aratta.
This is a PDF file - you will need Adobe Acrobat
Veterans.
From CNN.com Bush calls for electronic medical records.
From Disabled Veterans of America David W. Gorman to Donald H. Rumsfeld.
Injuries.
From Veterans for Common Sense.com and Karl Vick of the Washington Post The Lasting Wounds of War.
Nightline Tribute to the Fallen.
From Reuters and Forbes.com
"Nightline" devotes show to reading war dead names.
Casualties Continue to Climb As Bush Addresses 9/11 Commission.
From ABC News.com and the AP Press U.S. Marines to End Siege of Fallujah
U.S. Marines to End Bloody Siege of Fallujah; All-Iraqo Force to Take Over City's Security.
World WAR II Memorial.
From Fox News.com and the AP Press
World War II Memorial Debuts.
Division Over Nightline.
From the Kansas City Star and LIZ HALLORAN of the
The Hartford Courant Nightline Divides Audience.
Iraq.
From CNN.com Bush speech anniversary draws scrutiny, commentary.
Help for Severely Disabled Vets.
From DefenseLINK News New Program Cuts Red Tape for Severely Disabled Soldiers.
Down History Lane - May 1970.
President Nixon: Cambodian Invasion.
An Iraq War Veteran Speaks. Remy Benoit
It is the weekend.
Yesterday storms raged through here bringing much needed rain. A new yellow rose is about to open this morning.
Some of you are in church now.
Some of you are swimming, fishing, sleeping in.
Much of Jazz Fest was rained out in New Orleans this weekend.
Have you had your morning coffee?
Have you had your hot shower; a dip in the pool?
Have you cut your grass, done your wash, watched the tube, the NBA playoffs, the Kentucky Derby?
Did you make toast, barbecue a burger or steak, scramble an egg?
Have you hugged your wife or husband or children?
Those are all normal things we do. And we should be doing them. But many of us are not home to do them.
We are not using ration stamps. We drive our cars, buy new tires, have lots of flour and sugar, if we are lucky; if we are not some of the millions of Americans without sufficient food or housing. We have those things if we are not senior citizens who have to make a choice between the cost of meds and the cost of food.
We are not planting Victory Gardens although many of us are raising vegetables.
Some of us are in an active combat zone that took heavy casualties last month. While we celebrated May Day, they knew war although we were told it was a Mission Accomplished a year ago.
Let us not forget them. Let us be there for them. Let us listen to them, the ones who are there; the ones who know what they need to do what we have sent them to do.
From CNN.com Iraq war vet says leaders must own up to errors.
Carter Center.
Jimmy Carter's organization to help bring about conflict resolution, global development, and human rights.
International Hope.
Peace Organizations.
Barbara Marx Hubbard.
Unity On Line.
Renaissance Alliance.
Hope Magazine.
What is Enlightenment?
Help to Heal the World.
If you have a favorite place of sharing and hope, please do share it with us.
Karbala and Najaf.
From Fox News.com and Paul Wagenseil Background: Karbala and Najaf.
Bush Proclaims annual National Day of Prayer and Asks for 25 Billion More.
Although Not in the Headline news,the first Thursday in May is
National Day of Prayer. You will need Adobe Acrobat for this.
From CNN.com
Bush asks for $25 billion more for Iraq, Afghanistan.
Official: Bush chastises Rumsfeld.
And on the subject of elections, and quality of leadership, from the Boston Globe, Common Dreams.org Five Qualities of Leaders We Can Trust by Diana Chapman Walsh.
With Saturday the anniversary of VE Day, it is interesting to note this quote from Ike -
Dwight D. Eisenhower
Every gun that is made, every warship launched, every rocket fired signifies, in the final sense, a theft from those who hunger and are not fed, those who are cold and not clothed.
Can we make this an International Day of Prayer, not by decree, not by proclamation, but with our hearts?
Please Help Your Letter Carriers Stamp Out Hunger.
From CNN.com Letter carriers to 'Stamp Out Hunger'.
and from Grist Magazine.com Eyes on the Prize - Interviews with the 2004 winners of environmentalism's top prize by Michelle Nijhuis.
Need some links to uplift, inspire, motivate, make you know that you are not alone out there? Try this one!
Motivational and Inspirational Corner.
Down History Lane: VE Day.
May 8th is celebrated as VE Day. For you young ones, that means Victory over Europe, the end of the Third Reich.
For those of you who were there the memories must still be fresh, and intense.
War is a terrible thing, a lesson we are all still learning.
In the following link, New Yorkers remember VE Day. If you have memories to share of the end of WWII or another war, please just click on Feedback and do so.
From Newsday.com Long Islanders Remember V-E Day By Michael Dorman.
PRIME MINISTER CHURCHILL'S SPEECH TO V-E CROWDS IN LONDON.
So, buy a poppy, and say Thank you to a Veteran.
Commentary on Iraq.
From Sports Illustrated, Rick Reilly, and Veterans for Common Sense.org The Hero and the Unknown Soldier.
Normandy Vets Denied Right to Parachute.
From CNN.com this thought provoking piece. They were not too young to parachute onto the beaches once upon a time, but now they are too old to commemorate that jump.
Elderly WWII vets denied parachute into Normandy.
Is that, dare I ask, cricket?
Down History Lane.
HAMBURGER
HILL The Real Story 1969.
From NPR American RadioWorks 2000 Revisiting Vietnam.
Veterans Benefits Guide.
Draft?.
From Utne.com U.S. Preparing For Military Draft in Spring of 2005
Legislation in the works: Selective Service System already mobilizing —By Adum Stutz / Bob Keeler / Connor Freff Cochran, Vancounver IndyMedia.org / Newsday / AlterNet.
Gardens and Inspiration.
For those of you working with the seminar here, inspiration, a muse, can sometimes come from a garden.
Visit with Eudora Welty's garden. Gardens bring peace, healing, and often, words.
From CNN.com Mississippi: New life for Eudora Welty's garden.
About the Positive Side of Life.
Yes, the are many, many positives in life. There are people helping people all day long. There is joy, and life, and faith.
If you need a boost for positive thinking, do visit with Life Changing Advice.
Wolfowitz - Billions More.
From CNN.com Wolfowitz: Iraq, Afghan costs could top $50B Lawmakers, Official tangle over control of spending.
Honor Those Who Serve: Armed Forces Day.
Saturday, May 15th is Armed Forces Day.
Flag the flag and honor those who serve.
Armed Forces Day "A Tradition of Heroes" Saturday, May 15, 2004.
When was the last time that you......
When was the last time that you cleared the decks, stopped the "monkey mind" from chattering its endless repetitons?
From Earth Light.org and Gwen Gordon Play: The Movement of Love.
New Veterans and the VA.
From Veterans for Common Sense.org and Larry Margasak - AP Boston Globe As many as 22,000 Iraq, Afghan war veterans already seek care from VA system.
If You Are Headed Toward Charleston.
From CNN.com Charleston: Exhibit chronicles Civil War siege.
Wolfowitz.
It is well that war is so terrible, or we should grow too fond of it.
Robert E. Lee (1807 - 1870)
From CNN.com Wolfowitz.
A Thought.
Soldiers are coming to trial for alleged abuse.
Another is coming to trial perhaps for desertion for an anti-war stance.
There is unexpected resistance.
There is much questioning, buck passing, name calling etc.
But the bottom line for all of us, for each and every person who wakes and draws breath in the morning is that we are all accountable for our actions, inactions, and ultimately, for what is done in our names to each other and to the planet.
Are we reaching the place in history where we are beginning to understand that?
Do You Need Healing?.
The work of medical intuitive Carolyn Myss is much applauded.
She gives us wonderful insights into the mind - body connection.
Her work might be of tremendous value to you.
Visit with Carolyn Myss.
Foundation for a Better Life.
In a world where we are constantly confronted with bad news, it is good to have a place where you can share a positive story from your life and find those of others.
Take a look at the Foundation for a Better Life.
A Different Perspective: Buddhist Peacemakers.
From Peace Magazine Buddhist Peacemakers.
Bush to Speak on Iraq.
President Bush will speak from Carlisle on Monday, at 8 EST
From CNN.com Bush to speak on Iraq handover process.
Hope.
I went to the search engines tonight looking under the word HOPE.
There are many listings of all kinds.
We cannot live without hope. It is what keeps us going, drawing breath, getting out of bed in the morning, and taking on a new day.
We read the headline news and there are few things there to lift our spirits.
But think back to how many times in your life things seemed out of control, beyond your means, capacities, even coping. But you are here, and you made it through. Somewhere you found a ray of hope that lit the way at least to the beginning of resolution of whatever you were facing.
Make this HOPE DAY. Share a smile, say a prayer, say thanks for the day when you found a ray of hope.
There is HOPE, for all of it, if we share our strength, share our visions of things evolving and changing to the better through our efforts, no matter how small or insignificant those efforts or changes seem.
Those of you old enough will remember the old line:
It is better to light just one little candle than to curse the dark.
Light, and share, your candle, your smile, your vision and HOPE will spread and come, eventually, to fruition.
Blessings,
Remy
Bill Moyers - The Role of the Press.
Most people in the States know the name Bill Moyers.
On May 19th he spoke at a Newspaper Guild/Communication Workers of America dinner.
His words give us something to think about.
From Tom Paine.com An Eye on Power.
Tennesse v. Lane.
Supreme Court Decision on Amricans With Disabilities Act from the PVA A Statement from Paralyzed Veterans of America on the Supreme Court Decision in Tennessee v. Lane.
A Report from Landmine Survivors Network.
Land mine Survivors Network.
General Franks.
From CNN.com U.S. general's knighthood row.
Memorial Day Parades.
Here is a National listing of Memorial Day parades
Memorial Day Parades.
Ike: Countdown to D-Day.
Imagine, Tom Selleck old enough to play Ike while I am still sooo young!
On Arts and Entertainment, Selleck, our beloved Magnum, takes on the role of the Eisenhower at D-Day.
Tom Selleck as Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower.
Down History Lane.
From CNN.com David Dellinger, one of the Chicago Seven, dies.
For those of you who are not familiar with the Chicago Seven and their trial, The Chicago Seven Conspiracy Trial by Douglas O. Linder.
The world turns, the days pass, and an article of clothing I ordered came the other day saying, "Made in Vietnam." It gives us pause to think.
.
Very Particular About Your Pizza?.
From CNN.com Italy sets strict pizza guidelines.
Dedication of World War II Memorial.
From CNN.com WWII memorial dedication to salute heroes.
Down History Lane :Stories of Civil War Heroes.
I had it pointed out to me that the television schedule is chock full of war movies this weekend.
The new World War II Memorial is being dedicated.
There are parades all about.
Thought to take you Down History Lane with Life Stories of Civil War Heroes. this morning.
While you are munching on those burgers and dogs, thank a Veteran for the air you breathe free.
From a Planetary Perspective.
From News FactorInnovation NASA Discovers Youngest Planet in the Universe By Rob Friedman.
From Reuters Abroad,
By Tan Ee Lyn and Carrie Lee Thousands defy China to march for democracy.
From SFGate Emotions abundant at WWII memorial outpouring of pride, sorrow for dedication.
Memorial Day.
I had a little e-mail chat the other day with a Veteran about the concept of courage.
It has been said that courage is showing up, being there, no matter how scared you are.
When I was a small child at the end of the Forties there was a man I knew only slightly.
He walked slowly, very slowly, when he went up and down the stairs to the rooming house where he lived. He had a habit of smoothing the brim of his hat when he talked; sliding his fingers around it and, I suppose, in the parlance of the times he was dapper in a Raymond Chandler sort of way. Even as a child I sensed that he knew much of the ways of the world.
He always smiled and said “Hello,” when he saw me. I never heard him complain, never saw him go in or out in a cranky frame of mind.
When I was a child we were told to mind our manners, not ask questions, especially personal ones like why a man who seemed so vibrant, so sure of himself, walked so very slowly up and down the stairs to his second floor front room; walked so stiffly in and out of the house.
I didn’t ask that question for several decades but finally did ask it of my dad.
The man in question it turned out had been a fighter pilot and had lost both his legs below the knee and had two artificial legs. The cane that I thought was part of his “look” served the function of balance for him, helped support his slow steps.
And yet this man still flew small planes. As he had shown up, where? the bloodied tides of the Normandy coast line? some atoll in the Pacific? he was still showing up for himself.
That too takes much, much courage.
I watched the dedication yesterday of the World War II Memorial. I watched the memories wash through eyes and over faces. I have seen the stare in so many of your eyes and yet you too are still showing the courage you showed your buddies by standing up, by being there for them when hell opened its doors and challenged.
To those of you who have served, I salute your courage wherever you found it; in the frozen ground of Korea, in the steaming heat of Vietnam, in desert sands, or cold mountain ridges - wherever, whenever. I salute your courage that you came home, welcomed or not, and took up lives despite the pain of memories that live in your hearts, souls, and bodies.
From the cold Delaware crossings, from Shiloh, from Chateau Thierry, from the Bulge, from Heartbreak Ridge, through the hell of Khe Sanh, and Cu Chi; through all the battle fronts since then you have shown courage.
Thank you for that.
Thank you for the air we breathe free.
God Bless All of You and Welcome Home.
Time Passes.
From CNN.com
Last widow of a Civil War veteran dies.
Some Sound Advice on Coming Home.
From Monica Davey, the New York Times, and Veterans for Common Sense For Soldiers Back From Iraq, Basic Training in Resuming Life.
Literary Agent.
I am looking for a serious Literary Agent to handle my historical fiction, poetry, and screenplays.
My newest novel, Loving, is to be published in July by Pharaoh Press, UK
You may read an excerpt from it, Anzio, at Anzio.
You will find summaries of, and excerpts from, my other three novels at:
Letty -
Letty.
Island Quilts -
Island Quilts.
Peace, Now - Peace, Now.
You will find my story, ANNIEin the Southern Independent Booksellers Book of the Year,French Quarter Fiction: The Newest Stories of America's Oldest Bohemia.
You may read reviews of my work at:
Reviews.
I look forward to hearing from serious inquiries. Just click on "Feedback" and leave your message and e-mail address.
Thanks so much,
Remy
Down History Lane :Midway.
June 4 - 7 1942 From the Department of the Navy Battle of Midway.
Tenet Resigns.
From CNN.com Tenet: Resigning with head 'very, very high'.
Senator McCain.
From the Wall Street Journal, Opinion Journal In Praise of Do-Gooders The Red Cross is right to criticize the U.S. military when it steps out of line. Senator John McCain.
President Bush in Rome.
Marking the 60th Anniversary of the liberation of Rome from the Nazis from CNN.com Thousands march in Rome against Bush, war.
The Passing of a President.
From Fox News.com Mourning in America: Ronald Reagan Dies at 93.
D-Day: France Honors American Veterans.
From CNN.com France honors 99 brave Americans.
For a history and pictures of D-Day, visit D-Day.
French Resistance.
From National Geographic, Untold Stories of D-Day.
From Britannica Online, John Keegan on the Normandy Invasion.
The National D-Day Museum, New Orleans.
Thank you for your service.
Honoring D-Day Veterans.
From CNN.com World leaders hail D-Day veterans.
Venus Crossing the Sun.
Just to remind us of the vast scale of the Universe, from CNN.com Gatherings herald rare Venus show.
Down History Lane: D-Day.
From Time Magazine.com Why D-Day Still Matters.
"For every action..." Grand Canyon.
From CNN.com Grand Canyon in deep trouble.
Italian Hostages Fly Home.
From Reuters and Antonia Cinelli Italian Hostages Fly Home.
From CNN.com US & Coalition/Casualties.
Senate Judiciary Committee and Mr. Ashcroft.
From the Salt Lake Tribune and Christopher Smith Ashcroft says Bush never approved abuse.
From NewsMax.com
Ashcroft Says Bush Rejects Torture.
Armed Forces News.
Armed Forces News - E-Mail Our Troops.
Cheeseburgers and Diplomacy.
From the Omaha World-Herald, New York Times, and the AP Press
Burger diplomacy at summit.
Down History Lane: the 12th of June.
It is climbing to hot here in Louisiana this morning, with a dewpoint of 75 and the humidity at 94%. Looking towards 91. I hear it is cool up north.
Whatever the weather, be thankful for waking to a new day and all its possibilities. Be open to those possibilities.
What happened to day in history? Those Were The Days.
Reagan/Bush.
From New House News.com and Miles Benson Comparing the Conservative Mantles of Reagan and George W. Bush.
Reagan and the Soviets.
New American Century.
US Politics Today: A Non-Partisan Newservice for Political Professionals.
On the issue of Privacy.
From Fox News.com and Kelley Beaucar Vlahos Critics Decry Super-Snoops in Government.
Military Funeral Honors.
I apologize to the person who wrote to me today about this. I tried to respond in an e-mail, but it kept coming back.
The questions were:
What is said when the folded flag is handed to a family member?
And, is the same thing said all the time?
I asked a couple Veterans for help with this. One responded that to the best of his memory, these are at least close to the words:
Basically the same thing is said every time.
Of course, if the person presenting the flag was personally acquainted with the deceased,in
his company, or served under the officer presenting, or whatever the circumstance, the officer may add a personal note.
Ms ____ it is with the deepest sympathy and the heartfelt thanks, and with the gratitude of a grateful nation, that we present you with this
flag that draped the coffin of ____ after his ultimate sacrifice.
Another Vet suggested this website.
Military Funeral Honors.
Perhaps one of you reading this knows the exact words and would share with us. Thank you.
Remy
New Army Uniform.
From CNN.com Army Reveals New Uniform.
Long Distance Wedding Bells.
From CNN.com Soldier couple weds via videoconference.
Congratulations!!
9/11 Panel Findings.
From the Washington Post and Dan Eggen
Al Qaeda Originally Envisioned Plot With 10 Jets
9/11 Panel Finds No Collaboration Between Iraq, Al Qaeda By Dan Eggen.
Looking for a Vacation Touching Creation?.
From CNN.com Get off the beaten park path by Marnie Hunter.
Benefits?.
Perhaps you need help?
Perhaps there is some available.
Check out Benefits Checkup.
Diplomatic Discontent.
From USA Today, the Associated Press, and Pablo Martinez Monsivais Ex-diplomats, military leaders oppose Bush.
Down History Lane: Isms.
What is?
The Dawn of Liberalism: Progressivism.
Moving Ideas.
Populism.
Conservatism.
Neo-Conservatism.
Project Vote Smart.
Project Vote Smart - Who We Are.
Welcome To Project Vote Smart.
Reactions to 9/11 Report.
From CNN.com
Bush insists Iraq, al Qaeda had 'relationship'.
Cheney blasts media on al Qaeda-Iraq link.
From Fox News.com and the AP
Kerry: Bush Misled World on Iraq.
Honor the Legacy.
From Veterans for Common Sense.org U.S. Senate Passes Bill to Honor the Legacy Veterans for Common Sense.
"Make it so.".
From CNN.com Private spacecraft readied for historic flight.
Ban On Media Coverage Continues.
From CNN.com Senate endorses ban on war dead coverage.
The News Media and the War in Vietnam Myths and Realities By Peter Braestrup.
Down History Lane: Korean War.
The Korean War: 1950 - 1953 The Korean War Web Resources - Mount Holyoke College.
Welcome to the
Korean War Veterans Association.
Korean War Project.
Casualties on the War on Terror.
From Reuters Press
U.S. Doubles Its Count of 2003 Terrorism Casualties.
A Suggestion for a NEW GI BILL.
From the Houston Chronicle, BILL GATES SR. and CHUCK COLLINS It's time for a GI Bill for the next generation.
A Whole New Meaning to Who Has the Chips?.
From MSNBC.com and Jonathan Krim of the Washington Post Embedding their hopes in RFID.
One Woman.
It is an election year.
Election years are time for introspection; for examining who we are, and what we stand for.
The news is ulcer producing.
The air is filled with accusation.
We are busy trying to keep our lives in order, pay the bills, get the kids where they need to go.
But that is one of the questions of any election year - Where do we need to go and who will we be when we get there?
The letter that follows was published initially in The Nation Magazine. March of 2003. Much has happened since then. Much will happen in the next few days.
So, Down History Lane with Margaret Atwood, best-selling Canadian writer:
From The Nation, March 27, 2003 Letter to America.
What would you write back?
Down History Lane: Carlisle Barracks.
From MSNBC.com and Suzan Shown Harjo a look at the history of the Carlisle Barracks
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/5086881/">Bush in the field of screams
President's war speech was site of federal Indian boarding school.
From the Heart - land.
This is not an endorsement of the book by this author, I have not read it. But I did read what he had to say about what he learned about us in the US as he travelled about promoting it. I thought you would like to see this.
From Fox News.com Road Rules by Neil Cavuto.
Good luck with your book, Mr. Cavuto. :)
Interview with VP Cheney.
From Fox News.com and Neil Cavuto Transcript: Interview With Dick Cheney.
Iraq .
From CNN.com Iraq handover of sovereignty completed.
Supreme Court Decision.
From Boston.com Decisions may help restore US image abroad By Peter S. Canellos.
Just a thought ....
With so much pain in the news, go out of your way to smile at someone; to tell someone you love them.
If you want peace in your life, it has to begin with you.
If you are feeling down, start making a thank you list - you can start with indoor plumbing, the bed you sleep in, the food you had today...keep going...try for a hundred!
Down History Lane.
From CNN.com Returning to America's revolutionary roots
Historic sites offer vacations, July Fourth celebrations.
Saddam in Baghdad.
From CNN.com Saddam makes court appearance.
Trial Preliminaries for Saddam.
From CNN.com - CNN Chief International Correspondent Christiane Amanpour, CNN Producers Ayman Mohyeldin and Carol Cratty and a pool reporter Defiant Saddam rejects court, charges.
Happy 4th of July Weekend!.
Something special for you from Gary Jacobson - pass this one around - and do let Gary known that you appreciate his effort for you!
Independence Day.
When Was the Last Time You Read These Acts of Patriots?.
Like you, I have the grill ready for today.
We have company, a young man who spent much time in our home, presently on leave from the Air Force. He is family and we are blessed to have him with us.
The flag is flying; the air here will crackle with the fireworks that are legal in Louisiana.
I gave a good deal of thought as to what to upload here today, and then it became obvious to me what it should be.
This is who we are: this document, this part of another - these were, indeed, the Acts of Patriots.
God bless and guide us that we stand by, and live up to, our own guidelines - it is, indeed, our sacred duty.
On the Campaign Trail.
From CNN.com
Bush, Kerry praise troops on Fourth.
Family Ties in a Combat Zone.
From CNN.com Mom, daughter serve together in Iraq.
9/11 Commission.
From CNN.com 9/11 panel stands by finding on al Qaeda, Iraq.
USS Cole.
From CNN.com Six charged in USS Cole bombing.
From Swiss Info and Reuters Qaeda suspects on trial for USS Cole attack.
House and Patriot Act.
From CNN.com House refuses to curb Patriot Act.
Casualties Continue to Climb.
From CNN.com Coalition records its 1,000th death in Iraq.
The buck starts/stops where?.
From CNN.com Report blames 'group think' for CIA failures on Iraq.
Can We Face the Verities of War?.
From CNN.com Study: Americans object to graphic online war images.
Sharing: Our Readers Share With Us.
This request came from one of the mid-Atlantic states.
Stanley Popovich would like to share with you the work he has put into his book, A Layman's Guide to Managing Fear Using Psychology, Christianity and Non Resistant Methods.
BIOGRAPHY:
Stanley Popovich endured his share of fear and anxiety over the years. Unable to find the help he needed, the author decided to
undertake his own research. The result is A Layman's Guide to Managing Fear Using
Psychology, Christianity and Non Resistant Methods - an easy to
read book based on a combination of research and personal experience. For additional
information go to:
A Layman's Guide to Managing Fear Using
Psychology, Christianity and Non Resistant Methods.
FINDING THE ANSWERS IN MANAGING YOUR FEARS AND ANXIETIES
© Stan Popovich – All Rights Reserved
Looking for all of the answers in how to manage your most persistent fears and anxieties? I deal with fear on a personal level and I found it
difficult to find all of the answers in managing my anxieties. I read some anxiety books and talked to various professionals, however I still
had trouble dealing with certain fears and anxieties. Eventually, I wrote a book that presents all of the ways to help manage those
hard to manage fears and anxieties and it is located at Managing Fear.
Let me explain the process of how I found those answers.
I first went to my local bookstore to find those books that dealt with fear and anxiety. I looked for those books that reviewed the techniques in how to manage certain fears and anxieties. As I read these books, I wrote down some notes on those techniques that I found most useful in managing my fears. I noticed that each book said always a complete review of all the techniques to manage fear and anxiety.
As a result, I started a notebook and every time I found a technique that was useful in managing my fears, I would write it down in my small notebook. Secondly, I talked to various professionals in the psychology and religious fields and they provided me with additional information. Again, I would write down the information that the professionals gave me that I felt was most useful in managing these fears. The professionals were very helpful, however there were times they were not able to answer all of my questions.
Although I had a lot of good information, I still had trouble dealing with certain fears and anxieties.
I realized that it would have to be up to me to find the solutions to some of my problems. The first thing I did was to review my notebook of
all the techniques that I learned from my research. I then started to practice using these techniques. I made it a point that every time
I would experience a fearful or anxiety related situation, I would use the information in my notebook to help me. After the anxiety
would go away I would write down in my notebook what techniques worked and which ones didn't work. In every anxiety related situation I experienced, I began to learn what worked, what didn't work, and what I needed to improve on in managing my fears and anxieties.
At the same time, I would continue to talk to various professionsals to learn to become better at managing the many types of fears and anxieties. I would review what I have learned with these professionals and they would provide me with additional information so that I would
time, I gained a lot of valuable information
on how to manage fear and anxiety. Eventually, I realized that my notes contained a lot of information and personal experiences that
could help a lot of other people deal with their fears. I eventually wrote a book that
focuses on result-oriented techniques in managing fear.
The main point of this article is that no matter how difficult it is to manage your fear and anxiety, the answers are out there if
you look hard enough. It might take some hard work and persistence, but it is possible to
find those techniques that work for you.
___
I have not yet read Mr. Popovich's book. If you find it helpful for you, please let him, and us, know.
Remy
Earthquake Rocks Tibet.
From CNN.com Powerful earthquake strikes Tibet.
For the History of Tibet BRIEF HISTORY OF TIBET.
For information on the current situation in Occupied Tibet How You Can Help Tibet.
Sharing: An Interesting View on the Relevance of the Bhagavad Gita on Our Lives .
This comes to us from India - from
M.P. Bhattathiry, Retired Chief Technical Examiner to the Government of Kerela, Radhanivas, Thaliyal, Karmana, Trivandrum, 695 002,
Kerela, India( may be published in your website.)
It is good for all of us to learn the ways and views of others. This is a fascinating view of management - personal and business - from the viewpoint of the Bhagavad Gita.
Thanks to M.P. Bhattathiry for sharing it with us. M.P. Bhattathiry.
Perhaps You Can Help With the Shipping Costs?.
From CNN.com and the Associated Press Books for Baghdad University pour in.
UK Intelligence on Iraq.
From CNN.com Iraq WMD claims 'seriously flawed'.
Bastille Day.
In France today is the celebration of Bastille Day - of the principles of Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity.
To learn more about Bastille Day:
Bastille Day.
From SF Gate British and French troops fete Bastille Day in Paris.
BASTILLE DAY/JULY 14, 2002: FRANCE WELCOMES WEST POINT MILITARY ACADEMY.
Happy Bastille Day!!
Recommended Movies:
Casablanca and if you have never seen it, DO SEE Is Paris Burning?
Vive la France!
From Veterans for Common Sense.org et.al..
Stress disorder in vets can be helped today John M. Rathbun, MD , Fort Wayne News-Sentinel.
Senate joins 12,000 Americans in Affirming U.S. Commitment to International Law.
Comparing Intelligence Reporting.
From the Boston Globe and the AP Press Comparison of British and U.S. inquiries into intelligence on Iraq.
Individual Ready Reserve.
From CNN.com
If you have been called up for service and have a story to share, contact CNN.com
Individual Ready Reserve Recall.
9/11 Report Recommends....
From CNN.com and John King Source: 9/11 report to recommend new Cabinet post.
Veterans for Common Sense.org.
Veterans for Common Sense. is expanding and needs your input and support.
Need for Intelligence Chief?.
From USA Today and the AP Idea of new national intelligence chief dismissed by acting CIA chief.
League of Conservation Voters.
Frrom the Political Voice of the Environmental Movement League of Conservation Voters.
Diamond.
From CNN.com Miner digs up 182-carat gem -- and trouble.
Combat Stress.
From Veterans for Common Sense.org and CNN.com Combat stress: The war within.
Vet Friends.com.
Help a Veteran.
Do business with one!
Veterans Business Directory.
9/11 Report.
From CNN.com 911 panel report: 'Failure of imagination'.
9/11 Commission Report.
From Fox News.com 9/11 Commission Report.
You will need pdf for this.
Editorial: Freedom and Responsibility. Remy Benoit
There is that word here, a word that floats in on the air from Paris, a word that has floated across the vast Atlantic, come to the shores of France on the uniforms of men who fought for it a world away. A word that is anathema here in the walls of the palace. What is this Liberté? What does it mean?
Liberty to do what, to be what? The thought that comes to me, the thought that unsettles me is, what would I actually do, what would I actually become, if I had the choice, if I faced the necessity of survival to actually make the choice of something to be.
To be something. The words choke in my throat. To be, something.
That implies, does it not, a responsibility for myself, without dictates, without the protocols of the Court. To be something, to actually make a decision, a choice, a difference.
Do those who speak these words understand the immensity of what they seek?
Of the right to make dreadful choices and have not the rank of birth to blame, but only, Mon Dieu, the immensity of the idea, oneself.
Versailles, 1789 excerpt from Loving by Remy Benoit to be published this summer by Pharaoh Press, UK
This is an election year.
That means that you have a great responsibility.
When this country was established it was considered by many to have been founded upon a pipe dream. Self-governance could only lead to chaos, to disaster, to the crumbling of the structure of the new country.
We have proven that conception wrong.
We have survived a civil war, international wars, total wars.
We have paid dearly, oh so dearly, for the freedom we enjoy.
We have a huge debt to those who have given everything to defend it over the years.
Our debt includes:
The responsibility to vote. Take your calendar, circle November 2 and let nothing stand in the way of the exercise of your franchise.
The responsibility to be informed, well informed of who stands where on what issues.
The responsibility to act rather than re-act.
The responsibility to think in terms of future generations and their well-being rather than immediate gratification for oneself.
The responsibility to not give away any freedoms to “protect” freedom.
The responsibility, indeed, the Sacred Honor, to remember these words:
We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.
The responsibility, indeed, the Sacred Honor, to uphold these Rights:
Democratic National Convention.
A CNN Special Report "America Votes" Democratic National Convention.
From Fox News.com and Dana Blanton 07/22/04: Race Neck-and-Neck.
Democratic Convention.
From Fox News.com and the AP Protesters March on FleetCenter.
A Perspective from a Coalition Partner.
From the UK and the Guardian The Democratic convention Kerry's chance to shine.
Democratic National Convention.
From CNN.com Democrats open convention stressing unity.
Bill Clinton.
For text of Bill Clinton's speech at the 2004 Democratic Convention from Newsday.com Text of Bill Clinton's speech.
Thoughts on the Convention.
From CBS News.com and David Paul Kuhn Old Home Day For Bill Clinton.
Down History Lane: Thomas Jefferson.
As the two conventions move us through the summer, I thought it would be a good idea to look back at what the Founding Fathers had in mind when they did "ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America." We will also look at other champions of the Republic.
Today we look at Thomas Jefferson.
He wrote his own epitaph; insisted that nothing else be added.
It reads:
History of Democratic Conventions.
From wnbc.com Past Democratic Conventions.
Teresa Heinz Kerry.
From USA Today and the AP Teresa Heinz Kerry's remarks at the Democratic convention.
Ted Kennedy.
From USA Today and the AP Sen. Edward Kennedy's remarks at the Democratic convention.
Barack Obama.
From USA Today and the AP Barack Obama's remarks at the Democratic convention.
Down History Lane.
President Woodrow Wilson went to Versailles with his famous 14 Points to try to incorporate them into the treaty that would end World War I.
Wilson's Fourteen Points.
The principles behind those points would ensure a respect for national sovereignty, freedom of the seas, equality of trade, self-determination of nations.
Those principles were for the most part tabled at Versailles and a punitive peace written. There are few of us who do not know the repercussions of that.
The Versailles Treaty
June 28, 1919.
First World War and Hitler.
World War II.
Biography: Woodrow Wilson.
One of the Points called for the formation of the League of Nations.
That organization was followed by the formation in 1945 of the United Nations.
Taking a walk down history lane helps to give us some perspective on where we were, and where we dream we can go. History is a living force in our lives when we take the time to understand it, to learn it; to use it to enhance our future.
Be an informed voter. Know where the threads that entangle us today were first woven.
Debate Over Minimum Wage.
Minimum Wage Debate and Poll.
Health Care for Veterans.
Tom Daschle: Supporting Our Troops TRICARE for Reservists.
National Association for Uniformed Services.
From Oregon.
Special Report: The Oregonian in Iraq.
If you know of something special like this in your state, do let me know!
The Century Foundation.
During an election year it is good to consider many different approaches to and perspectives on issues that are of deep concern to us.
Founded in 1919 The Century Foundation. has some ideas to share with you.
John Edwards.
Text of Sen. John Edwards' speech.
What is Your Image for a Better World?.
If you could perfect life on the planet, what would your plan be?
What vision do you have for the world?
The Blue Star Millennium and Quest for Genesis by David Gau-Ghan have been mentioned and reviewed here before. I thought it a good time to remind you of them in case you have missed them.
These books are great reading, high adventure, and will make you think about important things viewed from a perhaps different perspective than you are accustomed to.
I have read them. I have totally enjoyed them.
And thus, let me direct you to where you can begin an amazing journey!
You will find Free Chapters at
The Blue Star Millennim.
Quest for Genesis.
My review of The Blue Star is below. You will find my review of Quest for Genesis at: Quest for Genesis.
The Blue Star Millennium/Quest for Genesis by David Gau-Ghan
by Reviewed by Remy Benoit
David Gau-Ghan has presented us with a serious work; a work that is mind-stretching, soul touching, and possibility awakening. Yet he has not presented us with a sermon but with an exciting action adventure story for us, for our terrestrial home, and throughout our galaxy.
We know, we feel, instinctively when the paths we are following are the right ones, not only for us as individuals, but for our home planet.
Nevertheless, sometimes we need someone slightly removed from us: someone with a different perspective, a different vantage point to align us with our proper course.
Or, Someones?
How many times have we heard the question; have we asked the question:
ARE WE ALONE IN THE GALAXY?
Could there be others who have a vested interest in how we treat our planet; in how we treat each other?
Do forces for good or evil in our lives work only through us following our particular paths, or could there be other forces at work beside, around, us?
Are there Others interweaving with our lives; influencing our lives?
What would their intentions be?
Suppose, just suppose, these Others were far in advance of us; that they could tap into the Akashic records, those ephemeral store houses of all experiences, to see where we’ve been, predict where we are headed, and try to help us to our best course.
Just suppose there was a Blue Star Commander, an Astar star-ship Commander who went by the name of Zakeera. And that this Commander, desiring, learning to overcome his own imperfections on the way to White Star status, was willing to give up his own being to take on different human forms to complete his missions, his dedication, to helping us.
The adventures of Commander Zakeera in The Blue Star will open you to considering just a little bit closer, on each and every day, in each and every way, how you relate to others, and to the planet.
David Gau-Gahn’s work is very entertaining, but it is so much more than that. It is eye-opening, conscience tripping, right to the events being played out on the world stage today.
Do join him for the birth of a planet, the cataclysms of Atlantis and Lemuria; the terrible terrestrial ruptures from oil, war, and intemperance.
Take a ride in a Star Ship, slip on a comfy garment that will allow you to be physically at ease on a strange planet, and then, then come on home again, and maybe those left of us can get it right this time.
Were you looking for bad guys, Bad Others?
Look around.
They go by the name Darkets.
But remember, whatever happens, we are Co-Creators of all our experiences. Consider the impact of positive thought and action from humans, and company, on the environment. There is a reason to do that.
The alternative, the flip side of the coin, in untenable.
The Blue Star Millenium is 5 Star.
And, hey, any movie producers out there - these would be terrific for that!
Enjoy, be peace, and VOTE!
A Vision: A New Path for Education.
Does the idea of higher education for Social Justice and Democracy appeal to you?
Then you want to check this one out:
Southwestern University and Global College.
You will also want to read the May/June issue of HOPE Magazine to learn the vision of James Gittings that is coming to fruition there.
The Democratic Platform for America.
pdf -
Strong at Home, Respected in the World: The Democratic Platform for America.
Where would the jobs be in a green economy?.
Visit with The Apollo Alliance. and find out!
Interested in Energy Independence.?
Perspectives on Democracy.
Some ideas to think about.
World History of Democracy.
Democracy: Teach IT.
Reclaim Democracy.org.
The History Guide: Letters on Ancient and Medieval European History.
The basic principle behind democracy is citizen involvement! and VOTE!
Anthony Center for Women's Leadership: US Suffrage Movement Timeline.
WELCOME HOME.
Tonight I listened to Vietnam Veterans speaking.
Tonight I heard Vietnam Veterans being cheered.
Tonight I saw Vietnam Veterans being honored.
Welcome Home and God Bless you all.
John Kerry.
From the Rocky Mountain News.com Full text of John Kerry's speech.
Editorial: Support Our Veterans. Remy Benoit
Over the years many of you have told me that you don't know how to talk with Veterans; that you wish there was something that you could do for Veterans.
While it is true that many Veterans are reluctant to speak of what they have known, it wouldn't hurt to just say, Thank you for your service.
But there is something more that you can do for Veterans and that is to make your voice heard in support of the financial, mental, and physical care that they need.
Ask of the current candidates how they will help the Veterans. Demand that Veterans and those in active service get what they need.
Inquire of the Veterans Administration as to the condition of facilities, the availability of staff, the adequacy of supplies of the things those they serve need.
Write to your Senators and Representatives and demand that those who have served and are serving are getting the care and supplies they need.
Make local inquiries as to the needs of the families of those who are in active service now, of those whose lives have been interupted to serve. Find ways to help where help is needed.
Visit a Veterans hospital - send books, magazines; hold a hand, listen to a story they are willing to share.
Support groups like the Disabled American Veterans.
They were, they are, there for you.
Keep the unspoken Covenant - You are there for us; we will be there for you.
Census Data to Homeland Security.
From Veterans for Common Sense.org, LYNETTE CLEMETSON and the New York Times Homeland Security Given Data on Arab-Americans.
President Bush.
From CNN.com and Dana Bash Bush back to campaigning in battleground states.
From Fox News Polls Fox News Polls.
So Diverse: Life Forms.
From NPR A Sea Worm's Surprising Living Arrangement
Novel Species Discovered on Floor of Monterey Bay.
Just a reminder that we are not the only ones on the planet and have a vast responsibility to life.
On the Employment Front.
From CNN.com Back to work for less
Survey: 57% who lost full-time jobs 2001-2003 and found full-time work again are earning less.
Evolution of Democracy.
We have heard the word "HOPE" a lot lately.
Hope is what keeps us striving, growing, sharing.
Donna Zajonc has written a new book called, The Politics of Hope.
Join her at The Politics of Hope: Reviving the Dream of Democracy.
Expanding the Personal Frontier.
The word frontier means many things to each of us - historically in the States, it was the land between the Mississippi and the Rockies.
There is the Final Frontier of Captains Kirk and Picard.
But there is another frontier that is so very much bigger - that is the frontier of finding not only who we are, but who we can be.
May I suggest:
"Where then is the frontier between what I am and what I can become? Who knows whether tomorrow my reactions to some new event will not reveal an aspect of my person more important than any I have so far discovered? Is not what I shall be capable of tomorrow contained in what I am today?"
Paul Tournier, The Meaning of Persons, 1957
translated by Edwin Hudson
As it is true of us, it is also true of nations. We have only just begun to find out who we are and who we can be. We must choose wisely.
Internationally.
From the Voice of America and Lisa Schlein WTO Reaches Historic Deal to Open Global Free Trade Talks.
From Ireland on line UN resolution on Sudan welcomed by Concern.
From the Toronto Star, Daniel Williams, and Alan Cooperman Vatican criticizes 'lethal effects' of feminism.
Down History Lane: Warsaw.
Today marks the 60th Anniversary of the Uprising in Warsaw. This is not the same as the Uprising in the Warsaw Ghetto.
From Reuters AlertNet The Warsaw Uprising of 1944.
The Warsaw Uprising, August 1 - October 2, 1944.
Tadeusz Kondracki: Warsaw Uprising.
Warsaw Ghetto Uprising.
Mila
18.
A Commentary on the Responsibility of the Press.
From Veterans for Common Sense.org, The Globe and Mail.com and Lawrence Martin: Patriot game, media shame.
"One man, one vote".
The old adage still holds true - YOUR vote counts!
For it to count, you have to VOTE.
A recent poll from CNN.com Poll: No 'bounce' for Kerry so far
Bush and Democratic nominee still running neck and neck.
Are they truly virtually unnoticed.
From Veterans for Common Sense.org, The Washington Post and Richard Cohen somethings, some important things, to think about. Kerry's Battle Cry.
Down History Lane: Independent Media.
Pacifica Radio was founded in 1949 by a pacifist, Lew Hill. Lew Hill's Theory of Listener Sponsored Radio.
After his release from detention he put his plan into operation
It has expanded since then to stations across the country, to broadcast on NPR, and to the webpage Democracy Now.org.
It is part of our history.
The Bush Campaign Trail.
From Time.com How Bush Plans to Win.
From CNN.comBush wants national intelligence director.
From the New York Times,By ADAM NAGOURNEY
and RICHARD W. STEVENSON Bush Plans No Rest in Next Month; 2nd Term Agenda Near.
Just a Common Soldier.
So many you have been so deeply touched by this poem Just a Common Soldier. that I thought you would be interested in this announcement:
We’re pleased to announce the publication of a new collection of poems by A. Lawrence Vaincourt, entitled "JUST A COMMON SOLDIER (A Soldier Died Today) and Other Poems."
Every year we are flooded with requests for reprints of his poems (particularly JUST A COMMON SOLDIER), so the time seemed right to build an entire collection around his most requested piece.
Published by True Enough Books, this volume is
currently available for purchase on-line. The book features over 50 original poems, heartwarming, hilarious and always touching, from the pen of A. Lawrence Vaincourt.
Destined to become a classic, JUST A COMMON SOLDIER (A Soldier Died Today) makes a wonderful gift. It features poems about the military, farm life, nature, families and the general humor of everyday living.
Beautifully printed and bound, the collection is only $13.95 (U.S. – for other countries the price may differ due to currency exchange.)
You can order the book directly from our printer at: Just a Common Soldier.
Visit with the author at Just a Common Soldier.
And please, do pass this information along.
Putting Things Into Perspective.
We are caretakers of a tiny blue planet; only part of a vast universe perhaps well beyond our imaginations.
For the latest images from Cassini-Huygens Saturn in Full View.
There are many images at the site...click!
And about this tiny blue planet of ours: Gaia Theory: Science of the Living Earth
David Orrell.
Perhaps we need to learn to better share our milk and cookies.
What Are Others Doing to Become Actively Involved?.
From a variety of perspectives:
MoveOn's 50 Ways to Love Your Country
How to Find Your Political Voice and Become a Catalyst for Change.
About the Centre for Research on Globalization.
Center For Public Integrity.
Newseum: The Interactive Museum of News.
Project for the New American Century.
Sudan.
From the Seattle Post Intelligencer, the AP, and IBRAHIM ALI SULEIMAN.Sudanese protest U.N. deadline for Darfur.
Casualties.
It is not over in Iraq. Coalition forces, Iraqi civilians are still dying each and every day. Keep that in mind. Just because we don't see them coming home in flag draped caskets, they are still dying, still suffering serious and life changing wounds.
From CNN.com U.S., Iraqi forces battle cleric's militia in Najaf.
From Military.com Honor the Fallen.
Job Revival in Britain.
From CNN.com Help wanted: Court jester.
On the Campaign Trail.
From CNN.com Anti-Kerry veterans group releases critical ad.
From Fox News.com and the AP Kerry on Whistle-Stop Tour.
From Fox News and the AP Bush Appeals to Texas Catholics for Support.
Down History Lane: Atomic Bomb Decision.
Atomic Bomb: Decision.
New Orleans Goes to War, 1941-1945 by Brian Altobello. Reviewed by Remy Benoit
The history of the Crescent City is rich, complex, and multi-layered.
New Orleans lies below sea level.
That simple statement is indicative of the strength and determination of its inhabitants who have survived plague, fire, flooding, hurricanes, the War Between the States, Occupation, and a world at war, twice.
Her culture is varied; her history is part of the everyday life of a rich blend of people working together to stay above the water line, to enjoy and protect their way of life.
New Orleans Goes to War, 1941-1945 is a classic compilation of one of the oldest traditions of the human existence. That tradition is of the transmission of oral history.
Major Altobello (U.S. Army Reserve) provides an introduction that explains how New Orleans made it through conscription of its men, volunteering of its citizens, rationing of its food and commodities, and the protection of the gateway of the Mississippi to the heartland of the United States.
When the everyday things of life as you know them become fiercely limited, it is the mark of the strength and character of the people how they adjust to that, and then contribute more.
New Orleanians sponsored a “Christmas in July” in which the presents were war bonds.
The first black drill out came on Friday March 6, 1942 at 9 PM.
The four shipyards, including the now famous Higgins plant, converted to war material.
Mardi Gras was cancelled for the duration.
The list goes on, and Major Altobello provides insights into the heart of the city and its population.
Yet New Orleans Goes to War, 1941-1945 is more than a salute to the inhabitants of the city because of his skill as an interviewer and compiler of the oral history of those sent far from the warm scented streets, from pecan pie, and gumbo to fight in freezing lines in Europe and in the heat of the South Pacific.
Each interview is rich in remembrance and in honesty of what was felt and witnessed; in where it hurt; and in where it exemplified the best and worst of man in the worst of conditions.
The interviews are honest in what is still felt by those who served.
How did a weather man use a typhoon to the Air Force’s advantage? The answer is in this book.
How did displaced Europeans come to New Orleans in the aftermath of war to find a new and better way of life? The answer to that for that generation is in New Orleans Goes to War, 1941-1945 too. That tradition is still strong in Louisiana today, just as it was in the past for the Acadians.
As you read this book, you come to know the people in it. You come to see their honor; you come to see their fears, their outrage at the concentration camps. You also come to see their sheer determination to go on with life.
New Orleans Goes to War, 1941-1945 is one of the best anthologies of preserved oral history. It should be in every New Orleans classroom, in every school in the state and I can say as a history teacher, as someone who came to Louisiana by choice, in every secondary classroom in the nation.
We have so much to learn from those who came before. Major Altobello’s work is an excellent place to hear their voices.
Thank you for this work of such devotion to history. The music of these voices, like the music that is the life breath of the city, will play on to enrich our lives.
And to those whose stories are included here, to all of you who have served, or are serving, Thank you for your service.
International Election Monitors.
From CNN.com International team to monitor presidential election.
Front Porch Correspondence:. Remy Benoit
The Time to Take Inventory is Before the Need is Felt
I grew up in Philadelphia. When William Penn laid out the plan of the city it was on a very neat grid, but the city has a warren of narrow alleyways. The reason for this is simple - cottage industry grew out of the backs of houses.
Cottage industry was in large part replaced during the Industrial Revolution that changed the face not only of this nation, but of the world. Yes, the factory system had many, many abuses: terrible working conditions; no compensation for injuries; sweated labor; child labor; belching smoke, etc. Gradually, legislation was passed, unions were formed, trusts were busted and the worst of the abuses became history. We are still working on the rest here. In other parts of the world, they have only just begun.
There is a commonality between cottage industry and factory work despite the fact that one calls for skilled labor and the other, after Mr. Ford instituted the assembly line, mass production. They produce commodities.
Yet even mass production at the bottom line called for skills.
Someone has to make the parts.
Someone has to make the machines.
Someone has to design them.
Just as an experiment ask your children if they know what these terms mean: machinist; machine design; tool and die maker; machine shop.
The bottom line is that Americans made things.
Here.
At home.
On April 16, 1942 Adolph Hitler called a meeting at Wolfsschanze (Wolf’s Lair) near Rastenburg. The Führer had one great fear of the United States; he feared its tremendous industrial potential. He was not wrong to fear that. He was so afraid that he launched Operation Pastorius to sabotage our industry. You will find a full account of that in Michael Dobbs, Saboteurs: The Nazi Raid on America.
The US made things - lots and lots of things that in the end brought the jackboots to heel. Perhaps we need to think about self-sabotage; and where the bottom line rests today. We need, once again, always, to function as One Nation, pulling together.
When I lived up north autumn was not only a time to enjoy the fantastic display of nature’s gowns, it was also the time to clean, ready the house for closing up for the winter. It was time for filling the pantry for when storms came, when silent falling snow piled deep, and icy roads settled in.
Yes, we are totally interdependent in today’s world. I produce words, books, websites. The sheriff here provides protection; the feed store keeps the local animals happy but none of those people see that there is water in my house for when the power goes down. I do that.
Too many things have become, or are becoming "forgotten arts." Too much perhaps is dependent on outsourcing.
We have skills .
We have minds.
We have stockpiles.
We have resources.
We have many people who would still be only to happy to be "Dollar a Year Men."
Dollar a Year Men.
But we need the skills to do things passed on. Our seniors are left alone all too often when they could be passing skills on. Our schools are in real trouble, need to re-structure and with responsibility could include teaching self-sufficiency which is much more reliable than a microchip. We need to remember that each generation builds on the previous; it is irrational to throw away all that was gained. For a good study of these Connections, see James Burke.
K-Web.
Doyle once had Sherlock Holmes say that "electricity is the high priest of false security."
How do we define false security?
It is something to think about.
Taking inventory, recognizing strong points, acknowledging what needs work is not paranoid.
It is responsible.
Taking inventory does not mean we should not be part of a global movement toward understanding, cooperation, and compassion. War, after all, is a start from a point of failure. We need to take inventory there too and look at all the things we put into motion with that. Today we have thousands of reasons to look at it carefully.
We are a country that treasures trial by jury; no conviction where there is any reasonable doubt. That same precaution must be applied to our international relations.
If we are to remain strong, if we are to be able to care for ourselves and others in times of extremities, then we need to know how to make machines, inventory our supplies open cans without electric can openers, grow and preserve food, supply those who protect us, and to protect ourselves and our allies. We need to act in concert with those who share our world views; we need to learn to communicate with those who come from different perspectives.
We need to take inventory and ask where the true bottom line should be - we don’t want our trust to be busted.
Or our freedom.
Or our ability to protect it.
To paraphrase FDR, we have nothing to fear but complacency.
Vigilance.
Eternal Vigilance.
On all fronts.
A Passing.
Many of us grew up with King Kong and Fay Wray.
The 96 year old actress passed on today and the lights on the Empire State Building were dimmed in her honor.
From 1010 Wins.com Empire State Building Dims For Fay Wray.
Thought for the Day.
From Mohatma Gandhi:
We must be the change we wish to see in the world.
___
Do keep in mind that your thoughts, your actions, your words, your smile or lack of one, influence the whole planet. What do you want your impact on it to be?
As always, it is a matter of choices.
Candidate Positions on Veterans Issues.
From the Disabled American Veterans: Presidential Candidates Positions.
Values Count.
From Time.com and Perry Bacon Jr. Bush v. Kerry on Values
Both candidates talk about them. But what do they mean?.
"Conscious Evolution".
How many times has it been said here: Life, personal and collective, is in the choices we make, hour by hour, day by day.
We are besieged constantly with negative news to the point where we can come to question - Is there any hope?
Well, yes, there is. There are the Cultural Creatives and they have a different view. There are 44 million of them and their numbers are growing.
For an interview by Dennis Hughes, Share Guide Publisher, with Barbara Marx Hubbard.
Find out what Conscious Evolution is all about. There is hope in it.
School Bells Ring.
But to perhaps a different tune.
Check out the CNN.com special at Back to School: America's Changing Classrooms.
Some Things to Consider.
Center for a New American Dream.
Heifer Project International.
Fair Economy.
Down History Lane.
Whatever your feelings about it, it is part of our history!
From CNN.com and Jenna Milly Woodstock.
Fourth Estate.
From The Guardian Unlimited and Jürgen Krönig, the UK editor of Die Zeit A crisis in the fourth estate.
Vietnamese Sue Over Agent Orange.
From CNN.com and David da Sola Vietnamese sue over Agent Orange.
Finding a Life.
When we are young, we tend to be pointed into traditional careers. Yet the world is ever changing, and sometimes we can find our life's work in a place that would seem to be unexpected. Ah, there we are; back to choices, again.
From Voice of America and Ann Mayer Arts & Culture
Musician's Work Reflects Alaskan Landscape.
Atlantis? Found? in Ireland?.
From The Guardian Unlimited and Angelique Chrisafis, Ireland correspondent: Ireland named as latest Atlantis.
Healing.
Quest for Global Healing Conference for the 21st Century.
Ken Wilbur Online.
If these Ideas appeal to you, check out Institute of Noetic Sciences.
Veteran Health Care.
From Veterans Groups: This We Believe.
This is a pdf file.
Home Schooling.
If you are thinking about home schooling, you will find this article interesting. Home schooling is a wonderful undertaking. I know, I did it.
From CNN.com Put your feet up, it's time for school.
Rep. Doug Bereuter.
From CNN.com a retiring GOP Congressman speaks his mind in response to constituent questions: Retiring GOP congressman breaks ranks on Iraq.
Questions to Ponder.
From Common Dreams.org:
Published on Wednesday, August 18, 2004 by the Seattle Post-Intelligencer
Kerry Deals Away his Ace in the Hole
by Helen Thomas.
Published on Thursday, August 19, 2004 by the Capital Times / Madison, Wisconsin
Ask Bush Supporters These Basic Questions
by Mary Louise Symon.
Taking Care of Our Troops.
From Veterans for Common Sense.org Issue: Taking Care of the Troops.
The Days, Weeks, Months After Charley.
Hurricane Charley brought havoc to many lives.
It is not all over the morning after, nor the day after that, or after that. Maybe 3 months after that things can start being rebuilt - when insurance checks start coming in.
From Fox News.com and the AP Insurance Claims Moving Quickly in Florida.
Stress and Fatherhood.
From Time.com and MICHELE ORECKLIN Stress And The Superdad.
Campaign Trail.
From the Houston Chronicle Around The Campaigns.
and from the New York Times and Rachel L. Swarns Senator grounded for being a Kennedy.
Sunday Around the Planet.
From the Washington Post and Mark Kaufman FDA Alters Tack On Children and Antidepressants By Marc Kaufman.
From CNN.com
'The Scream' stolen from museum.
Cats like rodents, not Rodin at museum.
From the People's Daily Online Gathering marking birth centenary of Deng Xiaoping held in Beijing.
From Fox News.com
Saudi Arabia Launches $1M Ad Campaign.
Audit Shows $8.8B Missing in Iraq.
Campaign Trail.
This is an election year.
I suppose that you have noticed that.
There are MAJOR ISSUES with which we need to be concerned.
Those include:
The fact that we are a nation at war;
The fact that we have active combat troops in place who need our support;
The fact that we need to protect our Homeland and its basis, OUR CONSTITUTION;
The fact that the economy needs serious work;
The fact that we are gathering in a huge national debt.
The fact that our children are being left behind;
The fact that health care costs are out of control;
The fact that we continually challenge by limited thinking the welfare of our ecological unit - the planet we live on;
The fact that our Vietnam Vets have yet to be graciously welcomed home;
The fact that our Veterans as a whole are not getting the health care, nor the respect, they are
due;
The news is full of election mud being slung about.
As citizens of this country we have the right to demand LET'S STICK TO THE ISSUES.
Let's be told where you really stand on each of the above issues and a whole lot more. And back it up with performance records.
Let's clean up the election campaigning and get down to what this is really all about and that is the future of this country.
Let's say to the media - Give us what is important, not what would get you a missed recess in elementary school for poor citizenship practices and mud slinging back and forth.
Before you vote, ask yourself what your vote on election day will mean to your grandchildren and the world you will leave them.
That is maturity, that is compassion, and that is what it is really all about - not mudpies.
A Passing.
From CNN.com World War II 'code talker' dies.
For more about the Code Talkers.
Coming Home Quietly.
We cannot forget that we have troops in combat zones.
Many are not coming home to ticker tapes.
They come home with the ultimate silence.
They come home with soul wrenching pain.
From Newsday.com and Hugo Kugiya
More than just 'a container for the remains'.
Jimmy Breslin has never been one to mince words. He doesn't here either; he does bring home to your door the pain that is coming to others. Whatever your position is on this war, we have to remember the verities of war - war is a hungry thing. There are Coalition Casualties; there are Iraqi Casualties. There are Casualties in Afghanistan. What other casualties may come, we have yet to know.
From Common Dreams.org, Newsday.com and Jimmy Breslin What We've Really Lost in this Indefensible War by Jimmy Breslin.
Clicking Clock in NYC.
From CNN.com Billboard clocks Iraq war's cost.
From the AP, Geroge Gedda and the Seattle Post Intelligencer Bush's father foresaw costs of Iraq war.
From CNN.com Specials Forces: US and Coalition Casualties.
From Scotsman.com News PM has a case to answer.
There are many sides to every question and eventually answers are found. Let us not forget as we send the children back to school, off to college, that our troops are engaged in combat. As we set up the barbecues for Labor Day Weekend, let us remember that to answer questions, we must find the right questions to ask. That is the responsibility of citizenry.
What are the issues that you hold dear? Are you getting answers to your questions? That is the function of this pre-election time. Ask the questions.
Operation Truth.
From MSNBC.com and Jennifer Barrett Ozols of
Newsweek ‘We Were There’.
Operation Truth.
Census: Poverty Numbers UP.
From CNN.com Census: More Americans living in poverty.
Campaign 2004.
From Time.com and Mitch Frank Battleground States.
Protestors Greet RNC.
From CNN.com
RNC protesters throng Manhattan streets.
Tens of thousands protest GOP convention.
From Fox News.com and the AP
Anti-Bush Protesters Swarm NYC.
Brooklyn Parents for Peace.
GOP Convention.
From CNN.com Republican National Convention.
Poor People's Economic Campaign.
March for Our Rights.
Living the Questions.
I came across a magazine article by Raphael Chusnir called "Two Questions That Could Change Your Life" in a November 2002 edition of Oprah.
What was said in the article made a great deal of sense to me as it is a technique that I have come to use over the years. It works.
We tend to not want to stay with our pain, our problems, our fears, our concerns; we do anything and everything to get away from them.
We hold on to them.
We build up resistance to facing them.
We feed them with worry, angst, indecision, anger, resentment, etc.
Visit this website Living the Questions.
You may find some answers there. If the answers seem too much to handle alone, do get professional help.
It can change your life.
Blessings,
Remy
Questions Raised in an Editorial.
Some things to think about from Joe Klein and Time.com What the Swifties Cost Us
Campaign 2004 gets mired in the Mekong Delta
By JOE KLEIN.
David Hackworth.
This link was sent to me by a young man in service.
I thought it would be of interest to you.
From Military.com Hackworth: Once More a Nation Divided.
American Friends Service Committee.
See where the American Friends Service Committee stands on issues and you can also register here on line to VOTE American Friends Service Committee.
Also in the news, the term 527 has been used lately
From Public Integrity. an explanation of the term at 527.
That is a pdf file.
Literary Agent.
I am looking for a serious Literary Agent to handle my historical fiction, poetry, and screenplays.
My newest novel, Loving, is to be published shortly by Pharaoh Press, UK
You will find summaries of, and excerpts from, my other three novels at:
Letty -
Letty.
Island QuiltsIsland Quilts.
Peace, Now - Peace, Now.
You will find my story, ANNIEin the Southern Independent Booksellers Book of the Year,French Quarter Fiction: The Newest Stories of America's Oldest Bohemia.
You may read reviews of my work at:
Reviews.
I look forward to hearing from serious inquiries. Just click on "Feedback" and leave your message and e-mail address.
>
Thanks so much,
Remy
We Share Your Grief.
From CNN.com Vietnam vet buries son killed in Iraq.
RNC.
While the First Lady Laura Bush urges nation to trust president. and Arnold Schwarzenegger's star power dazzles delegates
California governor recalls immigrant roots
By Sean Loughlin CNN Washington Bureau. spoke to Convention delegates and the rest of the country,
Police arrest 1,100 people in protests Suspect taken into custody in beating of detective From Jonathan Wald and Laura Dolan CNN.
Kerry Speaks to American Legion Convention.
From Fox News.com and the AP Kerry Addresses American Legion.
Cheney.
From Fox News.com Transcript: Dick Cheney.
Frances.
From the AP and Time Reynolds in Port St. Lucie, the home of a dear friend of mine,
More Than Million Told to Flee Hurricane.
There is power in prayers - please send them to help. This storm is much bigger than Charlie was.
A New Face to Protesting.
From CNN.com The latest protest tool: 'texting'.
Bush's Acceptance Speech at RNC.
President Bush.
Clear Your Desks: Pop Quiz.
Okay, did that title bring back memories? Make you nervous? It is interesting to consider all the stuff we still carry around with us.
But this is a different kind of pop quiz than the ones that used to set the tummy a churning.
The Conventions are over. There are several weeks to go of all the words coming at you. So how do you decide if you haven't decided yet whose button you will push on Election Day?
Perhaps broadening your perspective will help. So let's push a few of our own buttons.
Remember the old phrase ' to walk a mile in someone else's shoes?'
Try these on for size, fit, comfort, or discomfort.
How would you be voting if you were one of the following:
A single mom working one or two minimum wage jobs, juggling child care, shopping, etc.;
A Texas oil man;
A factory worker whose factory had closed down and moved to, well, maybe Brazil;
A public high school teacher;
An executive retiring with a $25 million dollar Golden Parachute;
A young person who would like to travel the world, doing the back packing thing so many of our generation did, but afraid to because of the terrorist threat;
A young person deciding on whether to join the military;
A woman of a "certain age" looking to re-join the work force;
A man in his late fifties wanting to change jobs, careers, life style;
An urban dweller with all the problems concomitant with city life;
A senior citizen in a nursing home, or at home deciding on the cost of meds or food;
A recent college grad looking for a first time position;
A Cultural Creative looking to change the world to a more peaceful place.
We could go on all day with list making. But "Your assignment, Mr. Phelps" is to find at least one newspaper, online, or magazine article from the perspective of each of those groups. Walk a mind mile in their shoes and that should broaden your perspective.
Ask yourself too that if you have been sitting with Franklin and the others writing the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution which platform, which candidate most nearly upholds the promise so dear in them. Their dream, our heritage, is not an impossible mission.
And while you are considering these questions, perhaps you might want to think about clicking at this site everyday...it only takes a few seconds, but it is lifesaving, because yes, Virginia, there are people starving, not only "out there" but here in the States too. Hunger Site.
To those of you threatened by Frances, who may not have power for a few days, please know our thoughts and prayers are with you.
VOTE - it is not only your right, it is your responsibility.
Issues - Can We Get to the Issues?. Remy Benoit
The Framers of this country were not in favor of political parties. They feared that these would be divisive, more interested in regional/personal agendas than in the welfare of the new nation.
The press is one of the guardians of democracy. It is the responsibility of the press, as well as of the citizenry, to ask hard questions; to demand clarification, specification from all the glittering generalities being tossed about.
It is the responsibility of those elected to office, of those seeking office, to answer those questions in detail.
Members of Congress, occupants of the Oval Office, are representatives of the People and thus answerable to them. When a newsman asks a question and the response is rudeness and a wish that he could still be challenged to a duel, our thinking has gone somewhere off line.
Think about where you work, think about the word accountability. That holds true for each and everyone of us, including those elected to office, seeking ofice, supposedly gracing that office with diligence, integrity, compassion, and responsibility.
It is up to the citizenry to demand clarification, to ask for answers - show us what you mean; specify what your plans/intentions are; show us your record.
Divisiveness will not heal our Vietnam Era Veterans; it will not help cure those with Desert Storm Syndrome; it will not protect those in active combat. Nor will divisiveness help the aged, the infirm, those struggling on an unliveable minimum wage. It will not educate our children, update antiquated curricula, nor develop a more acceptable, more available, form of fuel.
We are "One nation." Let us not forget that.
Let us ask those who seek office quite specifically how they intend to be caregivers to that One Nation, and to the rest of the Planet of which it is a part. Throwing spitballs, chucking long term alliances, proliferating nuclear weapons, are divisive.
News stations like to make money. If their ratings go down because we hold out watching until real questions are asked, and real answers given perhaps they will catch on that we are serious about this One Nation of ours as well as this one Planet.
I commend Senator McCain for his comment that it is up to the people of this country to demand that this campaign be brought back to issues.
So, anyone know exactly what is happening in Afghanistan; in Iraq; on the budget; on elder care; in the schools; on the streets; in the environment?
An informed public is the life blood of democracy. Let's clean up our national arteries and get down to the real business at hand without name calling, without mudslinging, but with grace, with commitment, with the welfare of this One Nation and the planet as the primary issues that demand answers.
Pulling Together.
Charlie is still recent history and people in Florida are still feeling its effects.
Frances is a monster storm, the size of Texas, moving slowly and likely to dump up to 20 inches more rain on an already saturated state. Its exact course is still not know, may even go over the Gulf for a while, and maybe even here we will be feeling some of its impact.
Ivan is already forming out in the Atlantic and expected to gain hurricane strength.
The Red Cross needs donations - money and blood. There are other ways you can help too.
Go to
Red Cross Donations.
or 1-800-435-7669
We need to pull together on this. Disaster strikes wherever and whenever it chooses. Another instance of walking in someone else's shoes.
Labor Day.
This has been a very difficult Labor Day weekend for those in Florida as Frances keep pounding away. Ivan is coming close behind, at this moment sustained winds of 125mph and moving northwest. Keep a close eye on this one to see where it is going.
For those of you away from home, please know you are in our thoughts and prayers.
For those of you working this weekend, if it makes you feel any better, I spent the day fixing the tractor. But I emerged victorious and cheered when I heard the engine kick over.
Be good to each other - kindness and compassion above all.
Have a good Labor Day and remember no matter what is happening there is something to be thankful for.
Blessings,
Miz' Remy
7 Marines Die in Fallujah.
While the campaigning goes on, so does the war. Today there were more fatalities and casualties in Fallujah.
To those in active combat, to their families, this is the primary campaign issue - this is a life and death issue, just as it is to the Iraqi people.
Let us not forget the troops in Afghanistan, as well as other places around the globe.
Campaigning across the country gives the candidates opportunity to bring specifics to the people regarding the resolution of the issues in these conflict areas.
Those 7 Marines; those almost 1000 other deaths; those almost 7,000 wounded; those unreported Iraqi wounded and dead; all of them demand answers.
US and Coalition Casualties.
Major Archaeological Find.
Sometimes history helps us put things into perspective. That is helpful when there is tragedy all around us; when hurricanes blow, and troops die in combat. It doesn't make it easier, it doesn't make it less painful, but sometimes it helps to know that others have walked this path before us.
From Fox News.com and the AP
Viking Burial Site Found in England.
Heavy Fighting Kills Dozens in Baghdad.
Russians Protest Against Terrorism.
From CNN.com
Flooding, long lines in Frances' wake.
From Weather Underground, the lastest computer models of Ivan Computer Model Hurricane Forecasts.
US Death Toll in Iraq Passes One Thousand.
From CNN.com
U.S. death toll in Iraq passes 1,000.
Parent to Parent - College Drinking.
I came across this article and thought I should pass it along to those of you with kids in college. Perhaps your kids would not do this, but others around them might, and you should perhaps advise yours on how to handle the situation.
From CNN.com and Reuters Study: College binge drinking worse than feared.
Ivan the Terrible.
It has been 40 years since Florida suffered three hurricanes in one season.
Evacuation has been ordered for the Keys with the prospect of this Class 5 hurricane has a probability of blasting into the already too much strained state.
From CNN.com Tourists, residents told to vacate Keys.
Remember the Red Cross. needs your help with money, frequent flyer miles, etc.
"Of a Certain Age".
From Michele M. Melendez and New House News Women of a Certain Age and Power Join Forces to Create GrannyVoter.
Granny Voter.
Ever Ask Yourself What You Really Want Your Life to Be?.
From CNN.com and Career Builder.com Discover your true calling.
For those of you in the path of Ivan, our prayers are with you.
Latest Track of Ivan.
From Weather Underground Computer Models Ivan.
Culture vs Capital.
From CNN.com Fight over Wal-Mart at Mexico ruins.
Teotihuacan: The City of the Gods.
Red Cross Low on Funds for Relief.
From CNN.com Red Cross low on funds for disaster relief.
World War II Memories Project.
We Arrive in Liverpool by Stan Scislowski.
John Kerry.
From Time Magazine.com and Karen Tumulty "I've Been in Worse Situations".
"Bayou Buzz" on the 2004 Campaign.
From Jeff Crouere and Bayou Buzz.com Bush, Kerry Stuck In Vietnam Mud.
Seeds of Peace.
Can one person make a big difference?
John Wallach did. Find out about Seeds of Peace.
A View from the Front Porch: Stormy Weather. Remy Benoit
The live oak you are looking at is in my front yard. It is just beginning a slow dance with the winds that are coming from Ivan.
Storms excite us; they terrify us.
The pictures I saw of the Gulf today fall into the latter category.
It is not definite yet where Ivan will make landfall; but make landfall he will. Keep in mind that whatever Ivan brings in destruction, "he" will never be aware that he was, nor of what he did. We are both aware that we are, and should be aware of the consequences of our actions. Just something to think about during stormy weather.
Today as we wait to learn exactly where Ivan will go, memories come back to me of a Nor'Easter of several years ago when I walked the island in water up to my waist watching the division of land and water disappear. Join me for a selection from Island Quilts in which I expressed what I felt during that walk.
Military Order of the Purple Heart. Remy Benoit
This came to me from the Big Apple and a Vietnam Veteran, Abelardo Martinez.
Al has asked me to pass it on to you and to request your help. If you can only send one dollar, send that, but please do help. Would you also put his name on the memo section of your check to help with record keeping.
Thank you so much, Remy
Carlin Romano review of Islam and the Challenge of Democracy. Remy Benoit
From the Philadelphia Inquirer What Islam Says of Democracy.
Katrina. Remy Benoit
Good morning,
At the moment, we are tying down, waiting to see what Katrina will do. After that is tended to, I will update the site as soon as possible.
If Katrina takes the path forecasted, I may not have power for a few days.
In the meantime, please hold us all in your prayers.
Blessings,
Remy.
Coming Home. Remy Benoit
From the Washington Post and Veterans for Common Sense Back From Iraq.
Saturday in the News. Remy Benoit
From the AP and CNN Nagin, Landrieu face off, but will the winner really win?.
Katrina came through on August 29, 2005. It is May 20, 2006, and I have to ask why a major American port city is still in the condition it is?
Perhaps a good part of the reason is four level contracts with big bucks at the top while the local is left picking up the debris.
From the AP and Military.com Guard Stint to Last 2 Years.
From John Psaropoulos, Athens News, and Truthout The Insidious Bias of the Press.
From the AP and MSNBC Iraqi parliament OK's Cabinet on 'historic day' 3 bombings kill 27 as new PM's national unity government is sworn in.
Rare Civil War History. Remy Benoit
From the AP and CNN Congressional library offers rare look at Civil War.
It's Nagin. Remy Benoit
From Nola.com, The Times Picayune, Gordon Russell, Frank Donze,and Michelle Krupa IT'S NAGIN 'It's time for us to be one New Orleans'.
Perhaps the Mayor's office should have a duplicate set of keys for the city's school buses for evacuation purposes?From Time and Cathy Booth Thomas/NEW ORLEANS Is New Orleans Ready for Hurricane Season?.
From MSNBC, Rising from the Ruins, Bob Sullivan Not Just Any Graduation.
Perhaps now that the election in New Orleans is over, the press can get to some heavy investigative reporting as to conditions from Lakeview, through all the neighborhoods down through Chalmette and ask why things are still in the state they are.
Perhaps questions can be asked about insurance problems here; who is paying up; who isn't, and why whole areas, whole parishes, are having problems getting coverage.
Not only would deep investigative reportage help the Gulf Coast, it would help any other area in advance of catastrophe to know where problems might arise.
And do take Dr.Dwayne Thomas's, CEO of Charity Hospital, caution as true - BE prepared to take care of yourself.
Perhaps for crisis situations we need a new Roosevelt's Tree Army: Civilian Conservation Corps. and a new Works Progress Administration.
For those of you who are unaware, there are still blue roofs in Florida too. New England has been warned about the possibility of a serious hurricane.
BE prepared - starting now. And, please, do share your thoughts, your experiences, with catastrophic weather to help others.
Election 2006. Remy Benoit
From The Washington Post, Peter Baker and Jim VandeHei, and MSNBC Midterm elections crux of GOP strategy.
And, if you missed Baghdad ER. it will be shown again on Memorial Day. Blessings to the Medical Teams.
Carolyn Myss: A Way to Start Your Day. Remy Benoit
Carolyn is a medical intuitive.
If you are feeling the need for a better way to start the day, try this. Your Daily Practice.
Gonzales and the Press. Remy Benoit
From CBS U.S. Attorney General Warns Reporters.
From NPR and Alex Markels Timeline: Wiretaps' Use and Abuse.
Energy and Our Future. Remy Benoit
From Tom Paine and K.C. Golden Energy Futures.
From Reuters, Pat Jackson, and Yahoo news Clinton says must "get off our butts" to stop warming.
From Real Climate and Eric Steig Al Gore: An Inconvenient Truth.
National Hurricane Forecast. Remy Benoit
From CNN NOAA: North Atlantic could see 10 hurricanes this season.
An Alert from Dept of Veterans Affairs. Remy Benoit
Be aware, this contains Social Security Numbers, birthdates, etc. for 26.5 million Vets, some spouses, etc.
Iraq. Remy Benoit
From the AP and MSNBC Insurgents hamper U.S., Iraqi forces in Ramadi.
In the News for Tuesday. Remy Benoit
From The Washington Post, Craig Whitlock, and MSNBC The architect of the new war on the West.
From the AP and MSNBC Simple hurricane evacuation plan: Get out early.
From Bill Moyers and Common Dreams Pass the Bread.
VA Silent for 19 Days About Theft. Remy Benoit
From CNN Source: Theft of vets' data kept secret for 19 days.
Iran. Remy Benoit
From Inter Press Service, Jim Lobe, and Truthout Iran Target of Apparent Disinformation Ploy.
Stanley Popovich. Remy Benoit
We live in a time of high stress, tension, and fears generated by many high level actions taken or not taken.
Here hurricane season opens in a few days.
A friend out Tucson way was telling me about more fires burning.
Gas prices, thus all prices, are high.
Many things often seem so overwhelming, frightening.
Stanley Popovich has sent along this article to help you manage some of the fear, the stress, the depression.
Everybody deals with anxiety and depression, however some people have a hard time in managing it. As a result, here is a brief list of techniques that a person can use to help manage their most persistent fears and every day anxieties.
When facing a current or upcoming task that overwhelms you with a lot of anxiety, the first thing you can do is to divide the task into a series of smaller steps. Completing these smaller tasks one at a time will make the stress more manageable and increases your chances of success.
Sometimes we get stressed out when everything happens all at once. When this happens, a person should take a deep breath and try to find something to do for a few minutes to get their mind off of the problem. A person could get some fresh air, listen to some music, or do an activity that will give them a fresh perspective on things.
A person should visualize a red stop sign in their mind when they encounter a fear provoking thought. When the negative thought comes, a person should think of a red stop sign that serves as a reminder to stop focusing on that thought and to think of something else. A person can then try to think of something positive to replace the negative thought.
Another technique that is very helpful is to have a small notebook of positive statements that make you feel good. Whenever you come across an affirmation that makes you feel good, write it down in a small notebook that you can carry around with you in your pocket. Whenever you feel depressed or frustrated, open up your small notebook and read those statements. This will help to manage your negative thinking.
Learn to take it one day at a time. Instead of worrying about how you will get through the rest of the week, try to focus on today. Each day can provide us with different opportunities to learn new things and that includes learning how to deal with your problems. You never know when the answers you are looking for will come to your doorstep. We may be ninety-nine percent correct in predicting the future, but all it takes is for that one percent to make a world of difference.
Take advantage of the help that is available around you. If possible, talk to a professional who can help you manage your depression and anxieties. They will be able to provide you with additional advice and insights on how to deal with your current problem. By talking to a professional, a person will be helping themselves in the long run because they will become better able to deal with their problems in the future. Remember that it never hurts to ask for help.
Dealing with our persistent fears is not easy. Remember that all you can do is to do your best each day, hope for the best, and take things in stride. Patience, persistence, education, and being committed in trying to solve your problem will go along way in fixing your problems.
BIOGRAPHY:
Stan Popovich is the author of A Layman's Guide to Managing Fear Using Psychology, Christianity and Non Resistant Methods - an easy to read book that presents a general overview of techniques that are effective in managing persistent fears and anxieties. For additional information go to: Managing Fear.
Thank you, Mr. Popovich
Iran Asks for Direct Negotiations with U.S.. Remy Benoit
From The Washington Post, Karl Vick and Dafna Linzer, and MSNBC Iran presses for direct talks with U.S. on nukes.
Lou Dobbs. Remy Benoit
Dobbs: Bush, Congress tell working folk to go to hell.
Accountability. Remy Benoit
From the AP and Military.com VA Chief Vows Accountability.
From CNN PM: Iraqi troops battle ready in 2007.
From Climate Crisis An Inconvenient Truth.
Enron Verdict: Guilty. Remy Benoit
From CNN Money Skilling and Lay guilty Ex-CEO and founder convicted on fraud and conspiracy charges in Enron case.
An Opinion Piece. Remy Benoit
This is a very strong opinion piece by William Rivers Pitt with a lot of room for your opinions pro and con on what he is saying.
The basis of democracy is freedom of speech, open debate.
What are your comments on this piece from Truthout Playing the Impeachment Card.?
General Michael Hagee. Remy Benoit
From CNN Civilian deaths send top Marine to Iraq.
From the AP and Military.com Top Marine to Visit Iraq.
Regrets. Remy Benoit
From the AP and Military.com Bush, Blair Admit Iraq Mistakes.
From The Guardian, UK
Blair and Bush - an extract.
Desert - Tropics Expand. Remy Benoit
From the AP, Andrew Bridges, and USA Today Report: Jet stream shift is expanding the Earth's tropics and deserts.
I don't know what it is like where you are, but we are headed for 90 today, the drought continues.
We need to take better care of our planet if we wish it to support us. That is "An Inconvenient Truth."
From the gist, Chip Giller and Katharine Wroth The Changing Climate.
Hayden Confirmed. Remy Benoit
From the AP and MSNBC Senate confirms Hayden as CIA chief.
"Over our dead bodies". Remy Benoit
From CNN and John King Political dispute over FBI raid nears showdown
Sources: Justice officials threaten to resign over House office raid.
Bush at West Point. Remy Benoit
From the AP and CNN Bush to Army cadets: The war will end on your watch.
A Family Mourns. Remy Benoit
From the St. Paul Pioneer Press and Veterans for Common Sense A last son lost in Iraq.
Our hearts, our prayers, are with all families who are grieving this Memorial Day.
Fraud?. Remy Benoit
From Newsweek, Mark Hosenball, Jamie Reno and Evan Thomas, and MSNBC Man in the Middle.
"Separating the war from the warriors". Remy Benoit
From CNN and Maj. Gen. Don Shepperd, USAF (Ret.) Separating the war from the warriors.
Please, let us not make the same mistakes we did with our soldiers coming home from Vietnam. Many of them are still carrying the pain of how they were treated back then.
For one medic's story of his experience, and his not so welcome home, join my dear friend, Harry Kieninger When Can We Come Home? Understanding the Viet Nam Veteran.
Iran. Remy Benoit
From The Washington Post, Dafna Linzer, and MSNBC U.S. urges financial sanctions on Iran.
FEMA Report Card. Remy Benoit
From MSNBC and Kari Huus Here come the storms as FEMA rushes reforms.
Kick the Oil Habit. Remy Benoit
Here is your chance to let the oil companies know what you want!
Kabul. Remy Benoit
From Reuters and MSNBC U.S.: Troops fired in self defense in Afghan riot.
Cleaning up on, in more ways than one, the Gulf Coast. Remy Benoit
From MSNBC and Martin Walk Contractors rake it in as they clean it up Critics say FEMA overpays, fails to supervise disaster recovery firms.
Military Online Stress Screening. Remy Benoit
From the AP and Military.com Military Starts Online Stress Screening.
Hurricane Season is Here. Remy Benoit
Hurricane season opens June 1.
Is your area prepared?
Things are not looking so good in the Big Uneasy.
From MSNBC and Martin Savidge Is New Orleans ready for hurricane season?
Federal, state and local leaders say yes, but residents have serious doubts.
Stolen Data from VA. Remy Benoit
From the AP and Military.com Stolen Data Worse Than Reported.
Democrats: Frozen in Place?. Remy Benoit
From MSNBC, Newsweek, and Michael Hirsh Fear of Failing How can the Democrats win if the party is scared of its own shadow?.
Maybe those in Congress should read some history.
Maybe we do need some "Dollar a Year Men." They were paid, businessmen, a dollar a day during wartime to get the nation through its peril.
Maybe we need the welfare of the nation put ahead of self-gain, campaign promises, pork-barreling, and golden parachutes.
Maybe we need to FOCUS on the long range realities, and possible solutions to, the problems we refuse to face now; the problems, debts, and pain we are building up as a negative legacy to our children and their children.
Maybe each and everyone of us, including the Senators and the Congressmen, need to stand up and say what, precisely, we stand for.
We can start with supporting The Constitution, Separation of Powers; we can start with alleviating the horrors of war, hunger, poverty, and, oh yes, our mistreatment of our natural ecology.
Maybe we can actually do something instead of bickering and posturing.
Press Corps in Baghdad. Remy Benoit
From Times Online and Richard Beeston The dead and the deadlines.
FDA - Cut portion size. Remy Benoit
From the AP and CNN FDA: Restaurants on front lines in obesity fight.
We are a country at war.
Our Veterans do not get the health care they need.
We have poverty here.
We lack a viable national health care program.
Our entire education system needs revamping.
Our cities need repair.
The Gulf Coast is a disaster area, as are other parts of the country.
I truly think the government has enough to do without trying to regulate what is on our plates when we can actually afford the gas to go and eat out.
Fresh Air?. Remy Benoit
From The Washington Post, Peter Baker, and MSNBC White House opens door to dissenters
Aversion to criticism appears to be fading, but to what end?.
Sunday Morning. Remy Benoit
Another hot day coming, and still no rain here.
From the AP and MSNBC Iran's top leader warns against U.S. attack.
From the AP and Military.com Rumsfeld Toughs it Out.
From the AP and Military.com Rumsfeld Defends Troops.
From the AP and Military.com Vets Warned of Possible Virus Exposure.
From Common Dreams, Marcus Raskin and Sarah Anderson Napoleon's Ghost in Washington.
From Tom Paine, David Callahan and John Schwarz Talking Freedom.
Privacy?. Remy Benoit
From Newsweek, Anna Quindlen, and MSNBC Your Mother's Maiden Name.
Vietnam MIA. Remy Benoit
From the AP and Military.com Vietnam to Help Recover MIAs Remains.
From American Forces Press Services and Military.com Rumsfeld Discusses Vietnam Issues.
Iraq - Kidnappings, Executions. Remy Benoit
From CNN Police impostors kidnap 50 in Baghdad.
The Mission is still, quite clearly, not accomplished and continues putting the lives of our troops at great risk.
I have been getting phone calls, campaign calls.
I have been asking that the person who is represented by the phone questioner face some of the realities of the present State of the Union.
When they call, you have a chance to say what you really think. Interestly, the young man who called me told me that everyone he had spoken with today was angry. What a surprise.
Tell your callers that the VA needs to be properly funded to deal with this new generation of Veterans coming home with amputations, brain, spinal, and other life seriously altering injuries.
Do remind them that they represent, work for, us, not the other way around.
Civil Liberties. Remy Benoit
From the Voice of America and Jim Malone Civil Liberties in an Age of Terrorism.
Down History Lane with Civil Liberties During Wartime.
Down History Lane with a Journalistic Giant Edward R. Murrow.
For a great read, a hard look at how hard it was to get the news out during the Second World War Lynn Olson and Stanley W. Cloud The Murrow Boys : Pioneers on the Front Lines of Broadcast Journalism.
From the AP and Truthout Senators Seek Answers in Probe of Reporter.
H Res 543. Remy Benoit
This Resolution calls for an open debate in the House on the continuing war in Iraq.
If you would like to see that occur, contact your Representative. House of Representatives, contact numbers.
From Truthout Peace Movement to Phone Congress Demanding Debate on Iraq.
War Criminals as Spies. Remy Benoit
From the AP and MSNBC Documents: CIA concealed Nazi war criminals.
In the News. Remy Benoit
From the Army News Service and Military.com Army Adopts Single, Blue Service Uniform.
From the AP and Military.com Data on 2.2M Active Troops Stolen.
From All Headline News and Nidhi Sharma, Paris AHN Report Says : Europe Aided U.S. In CIA Flights.
From Reuters and Louis Charbonneau WRAPUP 1-Iran offer is negotiable if enrichment stops-Merkel.
From Newsweek and Rabbi Marc Gellman, some very good advice Feed the Right Wolf.
How would our days change if we faced the problems that rose during them with love, with compassion, with patience knowing they are all part of the human condition and, in some form, perhaps have always been?
Wednesday Evening. Remy Benoit
From CNN and Terry Frieden Specter blasts Cheney's efforts on NSA hearing.
From the AP and CNN Americans want universal health coverage, group says. And this is a surprise?
From the AP and Military.com House Panel Approves $50B More for Wars.
From the Christian Science Monitor and Kris Axtman Storm readiness rises. Is it enough?. The real question is, are YOU ready? Have you done all you can? Again, depend on yourself!
Iraq. Remy Benoit
From the AP and Military.com Iraq Troop Rotations Planned.
From the AP and Military.com Abu Musab Al-Zarqawi Killed.
From MSNBC, Richard Engel Blogging Baghdad.
From The Times Online, UK, and Ned Parker Analysis: betrayed by his fellow Sunnis?.
In the News. Remy Benoit
From the Chicago Tribune, Peter Gorner, and the Houston Chronicle Scientists may have found where earthly life began.
From the AP and the London Free Press World powers back off on Iran.
From New Standard, Michelle Chen, and Truthout Cheney's Office Declares Exemption From Secrecy Oversight.
From The Times Picayune, Michelle Krupa, and Nola.com Millions of gallons of water seeping away Fissures in pipes traced to Katrina
From the AP, Hope Yen, and Truthout Data on 2.2 Million Active Troops Stolen From VA.
From The Nation, John Nichols, and Common Dreams Citizens 1, Corporations 0.
From Reuters and Truthout Senate Panel Backs Off Telcos in Spying Probe.
MoveOn: RE: Cutting of Funding to NPR and PBS. Remy Benoit
Subject: Save NPR and PBS (again)
Hi,
Everyone expected House Republicans to give up efforts to kill NPR and PBS after a massive public outcry stopped them last year. But they've just voted to eliminate funding for NPR and PBS—unbelievably, starting with programs like "Sesame Street."
Public broadcasting would lose nearly a quarter of its federal funding this year. Even worse, all funding would be eliminated in two years--threatening one of the last remaining sources of watchdog journalism.
Sign the petition telling Congress to save NPR and PBS again this year:
Funding of Public Broadcasting.
Last year, millions of us took action to save NPR and PBS, and Congress listened. We can do it again if enough of us sign the petition in time.
This would be the most severe cut in the history of public broadcasting. The Boston Globe reports the cuts "could force the elimination of some popular PBS and NPR programs." NPR's president expects rural public radio stations may be forced to shut down.
The House and Senate are deciding if public broadcasting will survive, and they need to hear from viewers like you. Sign the petition at:
Funding of Public Broadcasting.
Thanks!
P.S. Read the Boston Globe story on the threat to NPR and PBS at:
Cheney Responds. Remy Benoit
From the AP and CNN Cheney willing to talk, powerless to act on NSA eavesdropping.
Support for Troops, but Not Necessarily the War. Remy Benoit
From the AP and CNN Many Support Troops, but Not the War.
Please do keep in mind that we sent them into combat; that they are experiencing things daily that simply have no equivalent in civilian life.
Keep after the VA, the Congress, the President to show respect for those we send into combat by adequately funding the VA. There are not enough funds to care for even the older Veterans, let alone the thousands of new ones needing help each day. Do your part!
First Tropical Depression of Season. Remy Benoit
From the AP and MSNBC First tropical depression of 2006 forms.
For constant updates on tropical storms, visit Weather Underground Tropical.
States' Rights. Remy Benoit
From the Committee on Government Reform Minority Office United States House of Representatives and Truthout Congress Has Voted More Than 50 Times to Override State Laws.
Internet in Jeopardy. Remy Benoit
The Internet is a valuable tool that can help bring people together; that can help people around the world to communicate, share their cultures, develop mutual understanding.
The Internet is not the playground of the big corporations. It is in jeopardy of becoming just that. Let Congress know how you feel.
From CNN and Craig Newmark Commentary: Keep the Internet neutral, fair and free.
In a recent CNN poll, 93% of those responding felt that Congress is not dealing with the real problems of this country.
We are facing real problems: war, a working exit strategy from Iraq; Iran and nuclear weapons, our country and nuclear weapons; ecological catastrophe ( at present, here, with temps in the high 90's, we are still suffering a drought, currently, about 16 inches low on rain for this time of year).
It is interesting that Al Gore's, An Inconvenient Truth, is breaking public attendance records, but Congress does not seem to "be there" either in adequately accepting that there even is a problem.
There are still blue roofs in Florida from two years ago; the Gulf Coast and New Orleans are suffering ongoing nightmares from Katrina. The Crescent City is losing 2/3 of the water it is pumping each day from leaking pipes; businesses are going down the drain.
Our entire educational system needs overhauling as it is painfully out of date.
We have so much outsourced that jobs here are difficult to find, especially if you are "not young anymore." The minimum wage is unliveable, even with two minimum wage jobs. Shame on us.
Our health care system needs overhauling and a national health plan needs research, development, and implementation.
We are fuel dependent on other countries.
We have not yet seemed to realize that we need diplomats who are well versed in the language, customs, traditions, and religions of other countries. Words are full of power; if we do not understand what people mean by the words they are using, we will never come to understand each other. Appointing people to positions for which they are not prepared is catastrophic. We saw that in the aftermath of Katrina. All the buck passing and mea culpas on the planet will not restore homes and lives to people.
We make more Veterans each and everyday and do not provide the funds to take care of the wounds of war that they carry. Shame on us.
And yet, and yet, the Congress is not listening to us as to what areas need tending. This country is not about corporations, it is about ideas, ideals, and the people. That seems to be backburnering, while important issues are being fried by neglect, and servicing of big corporations.
Freedom of speech is the cornerstone of a democracy. The Constitution, the Bill of Rights, are the framework for that freedom. If we let corporations decided who goes where, when, and how to what websites, we are allowing restrictions on that freedom, abetting the weakening of our own principle body of laws.
Wake up, America. Use your voice. Elected representatives are answerable to you; not you to them. The Internet can spread your voice. Click, point, send, or call and keep doing it until representatives of your will start listening.
From The New York Times Editorial and Truthout Blind Man's Bluff.
From Truthout, A Film by Rebecca MacNeice Go Tell It On the Mountain.
By the way, Social Security Numbers were never to be used for anything but Social Security. Gee,
my Granny used to tell me, "Never say never."
Waveland, Mississippi. Remy Benoit
Waveland still has no viable infrastructure at this point as it cannot meet the 10% that FEMA requires to rebuild.
How is a town, with its homes and businesses leveled, thus with no tax base, supposed to be able to raise $10 million dollars? This is the proverbial Catch 22. If you can rebuild, you can have a tax base to help pay for what you need. If you do not have a tax base, then you cannot rebuild.
If you can help, if you know anyone who can help, please help them. Every dollar would help.
I was in Waveland, not long before Katrina. It was a pretty, homey, place with a pre-Katrina population of 6,674. Waveland was leveled, and is sometimes called "the town that FEMA forgot."
If you can help, this is where you will find Mayor Tommy Longo.
Mayor Tommy Longo
301 Coleman Ave., PO Drawer H
Waveland, MS 39576
Blessings.
Miz' Remy
Monday Morning. Remy Benoit
The first of the season's tropical storms is bearing down on the Florida Coast. From Weather Underground Tropical Storm Alberto.
From the National Hurricane Center Tropical Storm Alberto.
Please pay attention to the forecast and stay alert to what you need to do.
Iraq is still in turmoil.
From the AP and MSNBC U.S. commander predicts troop drawdown
Top general forecasts gradual withdrawal of troops in coming months.
From Reuters and MSNBC Bush summons war advisers for Iraq meeting.
From the AP and MSNBC Al-Qaida in Iraq threatens ‘major attacks’.
Please keep in mind, as these soldiers come home, they will be facing tremendous adjustments. A simple "Welcome Home" helps, but jobs, compassion, patience, and support are needed. There is help with PTSD available from many sources, including the VA.
On the home front, Senator Specter continues with the Judiciary Panel of the Senator to look into surveillance. From the AP and MSNBC Specter set to fight on White House surveillance.
And from Joe Galloway and Military.com an opinion piece Grunts Suffer for Leaders' Mistakes.
A Question for You. Remy Benoit
Who speaks for the common man today?
If you could find someone who did speak for the common man, for the fighting soldier, what would she/he be saying?
Would like to see your thoughts on this.
Bush in Baghdad. Remy Benoit
From CNN Bush makes surprise visit to Baghdad.
Habitat for Humanity Needs Help. Remy Benoit
Hurricane Recovery/Operation Home Delivery - Involvement.
No Place to Go in a Hurricane? Try This. Remy Benoit
Afghanistan. Remy Benoit
From the AP and Military.com Large Afghan Offensive Begins.
Free Speech, or Not?. Remy Benoit
Freedom of speech is the cornerstone of democracy.
It creates dialogue; it leads to exchange of ideas; it feeds the democratic process.
Somewhere along the line, we have let go of the idea of common ground, what is best for all in the country, and fallen into the abyss of "my way" or the "wrong way."
Somewhere along the line, we have fallen into the grip of political correctness, rather than open dialogue.
From Common Dreams and Medea Benjamin Peace Activists at Hillary Clinton’s Speech Try to Take Back “Take Back America.
What is your plan for Iraq, Senator Clinton?
From the Take Back America Conference, Bill Moyers, and Common Dreams This is Your Story - The Progressive Story of America. Pass It On.
From Find Articles History of Conservatism.
Project for the New American Century.
From Fordham, Internet Modern History Sourcebook Liberalism.
From Truthout and Bill Zide The "C" Word.
If we must use "tags" to identify each other, then we really should know what they mean. And, as always, each "tag" has within it different bottom line positions.
To make democracy work, whatever our particular "tag" we must each take a stand.
Iraq. Remy Benoit
From the AP and MSNBC Iraq says ‘huge treasure’ of al-Qaida info seized.
From the AP and Military.com Congress Stages Iraq War Debates.
From the AP and Military.com Bush Rejects Calls for Iraq Pullout.
From the Washington Post, ELLEN KNICKMEYER and JONATHAN FINER, and the Houston Chronicle Iraqi plan may pardon rebels who shed only U.S. blood.
Friday In the News. Remy Benoit
From the AP and MSNBC Disaster relief firm's 9/11 fraud not prosecuted.
From Newsweek and MSNBC Iraq:The Human Toll.
From the AP and CNN After bitter debate, House to vote on Iraq pullout
Senate defeats similar withdrawal measure.
From the Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs and Military.com Vets Housing and Benefits Bill Becomes Law. Can we work on adequately funding the VA and taking care of our Veterans?
Saturday. Remy Benoit
While we prepare for barbecues, sports, sleeping in...
From Reuters and MSNBC Baghdad security crackdown has little effect.
From the AP and MSNBC Coalition says dozens killed in Afghan fighting.
From CNN Poll: Majority wants Iraq pullout date set.
From the AP and CNN Report: Detainees got only bread, water.
From the Washington Post, Eugene Robinson, and Truthout Stay the Course? What Course?.
From the AP, Liz Sidoti and Truthout Democrats Call Iraq War a "Grotesque Mistake" in House Debate.
What is your take on all this?
Happy Father's Day!. Remy Benoit
Thank you to all the fathers who work so hard, try to set a good example, try so hard to be there for your children in so very many ways. It is truly the most important work you have.
In the News, from Military.com and Ed Lawton An Unconscionable Act.
Search for GI's Continues. Remy Benoit
From the AP and Military.com Search Still on for Missing GI's.
From CNN Senators spar over U.S. commitment in Iraq.
New Orleans. Remy Benoit
From the AP and CNN Guard troops ordered to New Orleans
Governor to parents: 'Keep your teenagers off the streets'.
Yes, responsibility does start with the parents. Old-fashioned idea? Don't think so.
Iraq. Remy Benoit
From the AP and Military.com Senate Ready to Debate Iraq.
People in the News. Remy Benoit
From The Washington Post, Donna St. George, and MSNBC Iraq war may add stress for past vets.
From CNN Poll: Clinton gets high 'no' vote for 2008.
From Military.com and Wade Sanders Attacks on John Kerry Discredited.
From the AP and MSNBC Arizona crews race to save homes from wildfire.
It it very dry there, still dry here. Last night we had our first rain in weeks, while Houston is flooded and New England is still cleaning up flood waters.
From Voice of America and Claudia Blume Japan Withdraws Troops from Iraq.
Amendments that warrant your support. Remy Benoit
From Veterans for America Statement by Bobby Muller, Director of Veterans for America, Regarding Amendments to the National Defense Authorization Act of 2007, S. 2766.
Afghanistan. Remy Benoit
From ABC and Brian Ross U.S. Back at Full War Footing in Afghanistan.
Some things to consider. Remy Benoit
From Time and Mark Thompson A Misdirected War on Terror?.
And from PBS FRONTLINE The Dark Side.
FRONTLINE will be repeated Friday, June 23, 10-11:30 Central Time.From CNN Lawyer for Saddam Hussein found slain.
Congressional Pay Raise But No Increase Minimum Wage. Remy Benoit
From CNN and Lou Dobbs Dobbs: Congress stiffs working Americans.
Thank You National Guard and State Troopers. Remy Benoit
And Welcome to New Orleans!
From the Times Picayune Guard to patrol least populated areas of N.O.
Cheney on Iraq. Remy Benoit
From CNN Cheney: Iraq pullout 'worst possible thing we could do'.
Middle Class - the American Dream Fading. Remy Benoit
From The Washington Post, Blaine Harden and MsNBC U.S. losing its middle-class neighborhoods.
Earth - warm, warmer, warmest. Remy Benoit
From the AP and CNN Study: Earth 'likely' hottest in 2,000 years.
Minimum wage increased rejected; estate taxes may be eliminated. Remy Benoit
From the AP and CNN House votes to slash inherited estate taxes.
From Reuters and Kamal Taha CEOs Earn 262 Times Pay of Average Worker.
Iraq and Afghanistan. Remy Benoit
From the AP and MSNBC Iraq declares state of emergency in Baghdad.
From the AP and MSNBC In Afghanistan, Taliban isn’t the only enemy
U.S. troops tread through 110-degree deserts with little food or water.
From MSNBC Officials: U.S. didn’t find WMDs, despite claims.
From Military.com and David Axe Experts Say Iraqi Forces Not Ready.
From the AP and Military.com U.S. Forces in Iraq to Shrink.
Free Press/Free Internet. Remy Benoit
From USA Today and Common Dreams Secret Government or A Free Press?.
From The Nation, Robert W. McChesney, and Common Dreams How a Coalition of Bloggers is Turning the Democratic Donkey.
The bottom line, once again, always, is the common good. We keep being told "We hear you." I don't see that, at all.
Saturday in the News. Remy Benoit
From The Washington Post, Joshua Partlow, and MSNBC Iraqis Muslims put faith in praying alone.
From The Washington Post, Karen DeYoung, and MSNBC Officials defend financial searches.
From the AP and CNN Schwarzenegger rejects request for more troops.
Iraq exit?. Remy Benoit
From Reuters, the New York Times, and CNN NYT: General says most troops home by 2008.
Sunday in the News. Remy Benoit
From the AP and CNN Gulf Coast libraries get nearly $18 million.
This is one book that everyone in an area subject to natural disaster should read. But then, where is there an area that does not know flooding, tornados, hurricanes, blizzards, etc.? It is critical that one knows what to do in a critical situation. This book will show you that you need to depend on you! Douglas Brinkley: The Great Deluge : Hurricane Katrina, New Orleans, and the Mississippi Gulf Coast.
This is a highly readable preliminary history of what happened in the New Orleans area and on the coast. Bravo to Douglas Brinkley.
Reading this book, passing some time with Brinkley as he tells this story, will both explain what happens when what needs doing is neglected, and how humans respond in a catastrophic upheaval.
And a special note of thanks to Garland Robinette of WWL Radio for not not holding back; for saying: "...the birds are gone. Get out of town...." I don't think I have to explain that here.
You know, the impact of Katrina was seen across the country. For many of us here, for weeks, there were no visuals, no power, no tv. It was the voices of people like Garland, on portable radios, that let us know what was happening in the city, in our areas when all we could see where the uprooted trunks of trees and destruction all around. Blessings to all of them for being there for us.
From the AP and Military.com the mix of emotions that flow when coming home Iraq: A Minute-By-Minute Battle.
As the troops come home, make it your personal business in your town to see that there is a welcome; that there are jobs; that there is health care.
When it comes down to it, all we have is each other. Be there for the Veterans as they were there when you called.
Somewhere lies truth?. Remy Benoit
From Newsweek, Mark Hosenball and MSNBC North Korea and Iraq: Trumped-Up Threats?.
Sunset Commission. Remy Benoit
Sunset Commission Resource Center. Too much power, in too few hands, once again.
Iraq Insurgents Seek Truce?. Remy Benoit
From the AP and MSNBC Sunni insurgent groups reportedly seek truce
Shiite legislator says lesser groups responding to PM’s amnesty offer.
Bush Condemns Info on Banking Searches. Remy Benoit
From the AP and CNN Bush condemns disclosure of secret anti-terror program.
Checks and Balances. Remy Benoit
From the AP and CNN Supreme Court takes on global warming.
When is a law not a law?. Remy Benoit
From the AP and MSNBC Bush ignores laws he signs, angering Congress.
Giving Back. Remy Benoit
From Forbes and Tom Van Riper It's Only Just Begun.
An open heart is a wonderful thing to behold. Perhaps we shall see some corporations giving back some of their immense profits too?
Murtha. Remy Benoit
From the South Florida Sun-Sentinal and Truthout Murtha Says US Poses Top Threat to World Peace.
Military Medical Care Gap. Remy Benoit
From the News Tribune, Tacoma, Washington, Les Blumenthal, and Veterans for America Study shows military care gap.
We don't see the caskets coming home.
We don't see the wounded coming home.
But they are real, very, very real, and they need you behind them, demanding proper care for them, for the families they have left behind.
Be there for them. Demand proper care.
Senate, the Constitution, and the President. Remy Benoit
From the AP,CNN, and Truthout Senate Holds Hearings on Bush's Use of Signing Statements.
Ramadi. Remy Benoit
From NPR, Listen Ramadi.
Flooding. Remy Benoit
While we are suffering the worst drought in decades, flooding is tearing apart the lives of others.
From the AP and MSNBC Up to 200,000 told to flee Northeast flooding.
Please, you have seen what water can do here. Go to a safe place!
Our prayers are with you.
Supreme Court . Remy Benoit
From MSNBC Justices: Bush went too far at Guantanamo.
VA Laptop Recovered. Remy Benoit
From the AP and CNN Stolen VA laptop recovered.
Afghanistan. Remy Benoit
From Reuters, Kristin Roberts, and Common Dreams US General: Strong, Sophisticated Taliban Emerging.
Clotting Bandages. Remy Benoit
From Newsday and Martin C. Evans Lifesaving kits in short supply.
From the Kansas City Star and David Goldstein Scrounging to stanch bleeding.
From Newsday and Martin C. Evans Pols eye funds for troops' bandages.
This is not about politics, this is about lives.
Down History Lane with Emperor Norton I. Remy Benoit
From the Virtual Museum of the City of San Francisco Joshua A. Norton, Emperor of the United States and Protector of Mexico.
Check out his Proclamation of August 12, 1869.
Lousiana Recovery Oil Tax . Remy Benoit
I do not know if this is the answer, but you can read and decide for yourselves.
I do know that Louisiana and the Gulf Coast have serious problems, today, 10 months after Katrina. I know that Florida still has serious problems.
I do know that long range solutions need to be put into action.
I do know that New Orleans is hurting as are so many other places here.
We need to pull together. We need the best representation we can get. We need to put input into recovery. We need to make our needs heard by our representatives.
Promises are fine. Mea culpas of culpability for disaster, like promises, are meaningless unless corrective action is taken.
And one other thing. We are in a serious drought.
There are fire bans all over. Respect them. Watch where you toss cigarettes. The home you save may be your own.
We are the Gulf Coast. We need to make our voices heard. The country needs our rivers, our port. We need our homes, our jobs, our lives back.
Our sympathies to those who are suffering now from flood waters. With all of us, we never know when disaster will strike, or how it will gouge out our hearts.
Preserving the Balance of Power. Remy Benoit
From The Washington Post, Peter Baker and Michael Abramowitz, and MSNBC Bush’s governing philosophy rebuffed
Court ruling emphasizes constitutional boundaries.
From The Washington Post, Josh White, and MSNBC U.S. scrambles for Guantanamo options.
From the AP and Fox News Legality of Guantanamo's Tribunals Moves to Halls of Congress.
From the Honolulu Star Bulletin Supreme Court ruling should cap executive power.
From the BBC Bush refuses to abandon tribunals.
Network Neutrality. Remy Benoit
From the San Francisco Chronicle, Tom Abate, and Common Dreams Net Neutrality Amendment Dies Telecommunications bill goes to Senate without provision sought by Web firms.
Just as there should be a balance of power within the government, so should there be among the people and the corporations.
The Internet is tool for all, not for the few to regulate. It is a stepping stone to knowledge, the dissemination of ideas, and communication betweeen cultures. It is not up to the corporations to determine where we go to pass some time on someone else's front porch. That is freedom of speech and assembly, be it virtual.
"The War Tapes". Remy Benoit
From Fox News and Catherine Donaldson-Evans Halliburton's KBR Figures Prominently in Unusual Iraq Documentary.
Freedom of Speech. Remy Benoit
From the AP and MSNBC Media groups defend secret-program stories.
If we wish to export democracy, then we must live it.
From Newsweek, Eleanor Clift, and MSNBC The GOP's media bashing is a response to journalists' attempts to hold the administration accountable—a job Congress won't do.
The protection of freedom is not left to any one group, but to all of us.
Exploring Constitutional Conflicts: Introduction to the Free Speech Claus.
From American Rhetoric, a walk Down History Lane to World War I and Robert La Follette 6 October 1917 Robert M. La Follette: Free Speech in Wartime (Abridged).
We have a vibrant history, we really should learn more of it! We cannot settle for feel good social studies rather than real history any more than we can settle for entertainment trying to pass itself off as hard news. The real bottom line should be about information and truth, not profits. That is the role of the 4th Estate.
What to publish. Remy Benoit
From the AP and MSNBC Papers defend stories on classified programs.
Something to Think About. Remy Benoit
One of my favorite movies growing up, and well, still, is The Day the Earth Stood Still. from 1951.
I liked the scientist with his chalkboard who so reminded me of Dr. Einstein who I would watch on those special science shows. With my children, I have since visited Princeton, seen his home, his classroom, etc. I think of him, perhaps because of his unruly mane, his delightful smile, as "Uncle Albert," even though I never had the privilege of meeting him.
But the thing about this classic movie, made as the Cold War was so chilly, was that it gave hope that one day we could function as people of the earth, pull together, stop our grievances about each other.
As the Cold War progressed with the Korean War,
with Vietnam, often the thought would go through my mind that perhaps an alien invasion would be what it really took to get us to stop making each other miserable.
The years, indeed, the decades, have passed. The Cold War is over though we don't seem to know quite how to proceed without it. All those years of air raid drills that probably made my entire generation somewhat paranoid are over. The cloak closets in schools are gone, their metal hooks for woolen coats replaced with metal lockers for polyester coats. I haven't seen too many yellow boots lately either.
I recall the manual typewriters, the messy carbon paper, the typing the whole page over because you knew, oh yes, the teacher would notice the comma you missed! Now the keyboard is easy, the convenience of the Internet astonishing.
So many changes, so many wars, so many lives and yet still we haven't gotten it right yet.
I have another favorite movie of the same genre. The first time I saw it was my children and their friends. The special effects are so much more advanced than the movie from l951, but Bill Pullman's message is so much the same when he speaks as President addressing the problem of the aliens.
Something to think about for the weekend of the 4th of July. Independence Day. 1996.
Suite Française and More. Remy Benoit
Irène Némirovsky died at Auschwitz in '42.
The last of her work, held and treasured by her daughters, was published in 2004.
From Newsweek, Cathleen McGuigan, and MSNBC Unfinished Symphony A stunning best seller about WWII—by a writer who didn't survive it.
Sometimes it is good to look at terrible times to help us remember how fragile and precious freedom is. There are always the "jackboots" that want to take it away for self-aggrandizement.
The only real protectors of freedom are, indeed, We the People.
Something else to think about while grilling those 'burgers.
Through Foreign Eyes and Through History's Eyes. Remy Benoit
From Agence France-Presse and Common Dreams Britons Tire of Cruel, Vulgar US: Poll.
Happy 4th of July!. Remy Benoit
From William Rivers Pitt and Truthout an essay about Benjamin Franklin as a role model. The Example.
A suggestion too. Before Congress makes any law it should be viewed in terms of the blood price paid to ensure our freedom. If it treads on that, it is not a righteous law.
UN Emergency Meeting. Remy Benoit
From the AP and MSNBC North Korea tests seventh missile amid outcry.
From InfoPlease North Korea.
In the News. Remy Benoit
From The Washington Post, Michael Abramowitz and Robin Wright, and MSNBC A driven president faces a world of crises.
The world always has "crises." That is why it is a good idea for a nation to cultivate good allies. It is why we have the United Nations. Unfortunately, at the moment, much of the world is concerned about our policies, at home, and abroad.
Also from the Washington Post, President Carter, and Truthout We Need Fewer Secrets.
A serious question. Remy Benoit
From the AP, Stephen Hawking, and CNN Stephen Hawking has a question for you.
Veterans for America. Remy Benoit
Some news on mental health of soldiers legeislation and a survey for those of you who have served.
The Aftermath of War. Remy Benoit
From the Independent, UK, Jessie King, and Truthout Vietnamese Wildlife Still Paying a High Price for Chemical Warfare.
For further information from the Institute of Medicine of the National Academies Veterans and Agent Orange: Herbicide/Dioxin Exposure and Acute Myelogenous Leukemia in the Children of Vietnam Veterans.
From the VA VA’s Guide on Agent Orange Claims.
Vietnam Veterans Guide on PTSD.
A Different Kind of Diplomacy?. Remy Benoit
From Time and MSNBC The end of cowboy diplomacy.
PTSD and War and Coming Home. Remy Benoit
From Worcester Telegram, Richard Nangle, and Veterans for America War veterans facing a battle back home.
71 Year Old Vet Can Stay in FEMA Trailer. Remy Benoit
From MSNBC and Mike Brunker FEMA Says Vet Can Keep Trailer.
Why was there ever any question? We need to treat our Veterans better.
Life in Iraq. Remy Benoit
From Time and Aparisim Ghosh The Most Dangerous Name In Iraq.
From William Rivers Pitt and Truthout A Day in the Life.
From the New York Times, Edward Wong, and Truthout Brazen Daytime Violence Continues in Baghdad.
From the AP and Military.com GIs Were Killed Over Rape-Murders.
From the Atlanta Journal Constitution, Ron Martz, and Veterans for America War veterans denied GI Bill benefits.
War is ugly, we seem to like to deny that.
We seem to be unable on the homefront to face that.
Perhaps if we did, we could make less Veterans by
finding other ways.
Ilario Pantano Warlord : No Better Friend, No Worse Enemy. I listened to this man speak last night with Jon Stewart. He has some things to say that need to be heard.
Tonight Jon will have John Dean as a guest who also has some important things for us to consider.
Conservatives Without Conscience. It is apparent from listening to John in other places that he has put enormous amounts of work into this book. What he also says needs to be heard. We have choices to make.
Down History Lane with Sinclair Lewis It Can't Happen Here. Keep in mind this was written in 1935 but like all good writing, it is timeless.
Pentagon Shift. Remy Benoit
From the Financial Times, Demetri Sevastopulo, and Truthout US Reverses Policy on Military Detainees.
N'Awlins Still Hurting. Remy Benoit
Our city is in pain.
She is the Queen of the Mississippi and she is still going through a terrible time. I do not understand why, in a nation like this, we allow this to go on this way.
We are capable of so much more to protect our own.
N'Awlins has an incredible, indeed, incomparable history in the development of this country.
Let's get right; let's get it done.
From Tom Paine and Allen Johnson New Orleans lacks recovery plan nearly a year after Katrina.
Rumsfeld in Iraq. Remy Benoit
From the AP and Military.com Rumsfeld Visits Iraq.
Mid-East Crises. Remy Benoit
From The Washington Post, Robin Wright, and MSNBC U.S. has limited options in Mideast crises.
From Newsweek, Michael Hirsh, and MSNBC Passing the Buck.
From CNN Israel strikes Beirut airport, blocks ports.
Halliburton Contract to be Rebid. Remy Benoit
From the AP and Military.com Army to Rebid Halliburton Contract.
Formaldehyde in FEMA Trailers. Remy Benoit
From the AP and Truthout Environmentalists: Tests Show High Levels of Formaldehyde Found in FEMA Trailers.
Ex-CIA Plame Sues. Remy Benoit
From the AP and CNN Former CIA officer sues Cheney, Libby, Rove over leak.
Middle East in Upheaval. Remy Benoit
From the LA Times and Ken Ellingwood Olmert's Political Fate Tied to Israeli Military Campaigns.
From CNN U.S. vetoes U.N. resolution on Mideast.
Perhaps this is a time for restraint. The contentions here are centuries old, tied up in religion and world views.
From MSNBC and Steve Gutkin Crisis allows Israel to pursue strategic goals.
From MSNBC EU accuses Israel of ‘disproportionate’ force.
Bastille Day. Remy Benoit
July 14 is a very special day in France. It is Bastille Day, marking the storming of the Bastille Prison and the end of absolute monarchy in France.
From Tseguereda Mogues 14 JULY -- A NATIONAL HOLIDAY IN FRANCE.
Some here in the states have a tradition of watching Casablanca and standing to sing along with the Marseillaise.
Allons enfants de la patrie,
Le jour de gloire est arrivé !
Contre nous de la tyrannie
L'étendard sanglant est levé ! (bis)
Entendez-vous dans les campagnes,
Mugir ces féroces soldats ?
Ils viennent jusque dans nos bras
Égorger nos fils, nos compagnes !
For the complete lyric, French and English La Marseillaise L'Hymne national français.
From Lafayette to the present day, our history has been closely tied to that of France.
Take a walk Down History Lane in WWI with the Escadrille Américaine.
From Raquel Henderson and the Doughboy Center The Story of the American Expeditionary Forces.
"Nous voilà, Lafayette!"
We share a history of belief in the individual rights of each person. We share a history of distrust of leadership without restraint.
Happy Bastille Day!
And speaking of the Rights of the Common Man,
here are a couple pieces to think about:
From The Nation, Katrina vanden Heuvel, and Common Dreams A Politics of the Common Good.
And from the AP and Truthout Activists Sue to Block Electronic Voting.
Sunday 4PM CNN interview with Veterans for America's Outreach Coordinator. Remy Benoit
From Veterans for America Help with Coming Home.
Welcome Home. Remy Benoit
From MSNBC and Mike Taibbi Giving vets the homecoming they never had.
And you can help those in combat areas call home Cell Phones for Soldiers.
Mid-East. Remy Benoit
From the Washington Post, Robin Wright, and MSNBC Israeli strikes are part of a broader strategy.
The Fighting Goes On. Remy Benoit
Destruction and death continue in the Middle East.
From the San Francisco Chronicle and Matthew Kalman ISRAEL, HEZBOLLAH TRADE FIERCE ROCKET ATTACKS.
From the Toronto Star and Sandro Contenta Syria poised to strike back.
From the AP, ABC, and Martin Crutsinger Blair, Annan Call for Troops in Israel.
From Newsweek, Christopher Dickey, Kevin Peraino and Babak Dehghanpisheh, and MSNBC The Hand That Feeds the Fire.
Rabbi Michael Lerner on the Middle East. Remy Benoit
From Tikkun, Michael Lerner, and Truthout End the Suffering in the Middle East.
VA and Brain Injuries. Remy Benoit
From Army Times, Rick Maze, and Veterans for America
Report: VA needs to step up care for brain injuries.
The fighting goes on. Remy Benoit
From MSNBC and Martin Fletcher Witnessing the random violence of war.
From the AP and Military.com US Ramps Up Evacuation Plans.
For May and June, from the AP and Military.com Iraq Civilian Toll Spikes to Nearly 6,000.
From Military.com and Joe Galloway Cutting and Running.
From MSNBC, the Daily Nightly, and Brian Williams The View from Above.
From the AP and MSNBC Official: Afghan towns reclaimed from Taliban.
From Reuters, Adrian Croft, and Common Dreams Yo Bush! Blair Mocked as US Poodle.
From the AP, Mark Sherman, and Common Dreams Gonzales: Bush Blocked Eavesdropping Probe.
From Tom Paine, David C. Vladek Bush Does It In the Dark.
It is tedious to listen to "pundits" exclaiming this is World War III.
This is a time for reason, diplomacy, compromise.
Obliterating each other does not solve problems, it simply deepens and extends grievances, passing them on to yet another generation. Is that what we really want to do?
And from CNN and Lou Dobbs, his questions on perspectives Dobbs: Not so smart when it comes to the Middle East.
War is a Very Personal Thing. Remy Benoit
When we speak of war, we tend to speak of countries at odds, diplomats who have failed in their missions, troop movements, munitions, etc.
But at every level, war is very, very personal.
From The Washington Post, Jonathan Finer, and MSNBC Families of captives fear they will be forgotten.
From MSNBC and Bob Sullivan Beirut student reaches Cyprus en route to L.A.
From CNN Ninth day of fighting in Lebanon.
From CNN Mideast crisis aid groups.
From CNN Iraq: 38 tortured bodies found.
Are we finally beginning to begin to understand how horrible war is?
From the Washington Post, Robin Wright and Colum Lynch, and Truthout US at Odds With Allies on Mideast Conflict.
Agent Orange. Remy Benoit
The August issue of Vanity Fair magazine carries an article on Agent Orange: Vietnam Syndrome by Christopher Hitchens with photographs by James Nachtwey.
This article needs to be read, by everyone.
Doctors and War in Iraq. Remy Benoit
From the Times Online, James Hider and Ali Al-Hamdani, and Veterans for America The doctors who are too afraid to care for patients.
And from Tyre, Lebanon, CNN and Cal Perry The true cost of war.
Ancient Tyre.
Saturday Roundup. Remy Benoit
It is a steamy Saturday morning in the Southland.
Part of New York City swelters with a lack of power. From the AP and CNN Blackouts darken, roast New York. The people there truly have our sympathy as we know after going for weeks without power from Katrina that it can be most unpleasant. Lots of people in Iraq, and now Lebanon, are sharing the discomfort of lack of power.
Seems some things are slipping through the net that shouldn't be. From MSNBC and Rich Gardella Report: DOD sells sensitive military equipment.
And more and more death claimed by the insatiable gods of war in Lebanon where it seems things will escalate. From the Washington Post, Edward Cody and Scott Wilson, and MSNBC History repeats itself in new conflict? Not quite.
From the Toronto Star and Tim Harper U.S. seeking more than quick fix: Rice.
From CNN Cyprus plea for help on evacuees.
From CBS
Israel Advances Into Lebanon.
Still the "pundits" are out there talking about World War III. They would put better use to air time to have diplomats ( are there any out there?)
sit down at round tables, if they must, and try to find a way out of this. There are always possibilities other than war. Consider, "open covenants, openly arrived at." Still working toward that one, Mr. Wilson. What a novel idea to have people know just what agreements are running their lives, costing the destruction of their homes; costing the lives of their children, and themselves.
From the New York Times, David S. Cloud and Helene Cooper, and Truthout US Speeds Up Bomb Delivery for the Israelis.
Before these "talking heads" so seemingly gleefully chant WWIII, they should go back and review the destruction of the first two. Their words are irresponsible, puerile, and war enhancing.
More US troops are going to Baghdad. Perhaps someone should note that fighting in the Middle East is very complex. Perhaps someone should have noted that before we started in Iraq. From the AP and Military.com More Troops Headed for Iraq.
The Living and the Dead. Remy Benoit
From Time, Nicholas Blanford, and CNN Abandoning the Dead, and Living, in Lebanon.
Sermons. Remy Benoit
Yesterday it rained, and rained, and rained here.
It was beautiful, it brought some balance to the drought thirsty land. Despite hours of rain, there is not a single puddle in evidence, so dry was the land.
The air this morning is wet, thick, expectant of the rain to come today.
The root of most of our personal troubles, the root of most of the trouble in the world, is a lack of balance and a lack of compassion, for others, for the planet itself.
We separate into 'them' and 'us.' Separation brings fear; fear often manifests in anger; anger manifests in war.
Sometimes we do not look ahead to consider the ripples caused by our actions. In that 'we" I include each and everyone of us, from each and every country.
From the New York Times, Neil MacFarquhar, and Common Dreams Across the Middle East, Sermons Critical of the U.S.
Perhaps we should listen carefully to sermons being preached here this Sunday. Listen for compassion; listen for the "separation"; listen for single note of finding a better way than death and destruction.
The level of hyprocrisy we live with is sometimes astonishing. We send our young to war, to learn, to live with, to fight with, the ultimate obscenity, and then the censors on TV find the words that are used to describe the experience as "offensive," profane. From the New York Times, Elizabeth Jensen, and Truthout Soldiers' Words May Test PBS Language Rules.
Please, wherever we are, whatever faith we follow, let us pray for some sense, some reason, some compassion, and a better way.
Lebanon. Remy Benoit
From CNN Rice's mission moves to Jerusalem.
American Bar Association and the Constitution. Remy Benoit
From the AP and CNN ABA: Bush violating Constitution.
On the same subject, From the AP and MSNBC Sen. Specter preparing bill to sue Bush.
From the Boston Globe, Charlie Savage, and Truthout Panel Chides Bush on Bypassing Laws.
Calls for Cease fire. Remy Benoit
From the BBC UN calls for Mid-East ceasefire.
From the BBC and Paul Reynolds A new force for peace?.
And from Foreign Policy in Focus Congress and the Israeli Attack on Lebanon: A Critical Reading.
Religious Left Pushes Back. Remy Benoit
From Reuters, Tom Ferraro and Truthout Religious Left Gears Up to Face Right Counterpart.
Friends of New Orleans. Remy Benoit
The recovery of New Orleans is vital to this nation.
She has a proud history; a history that very much contributed to the growth of this nation.
Now our beloved New Orleans needs you!
Please, become Friends of New Orleans.
Please use your voice to support our efforts to rebuild.
Thank you so much,
Miz' Remy
PTSD. Remy Benoit
From the Daily Kos PTSD Combat News Roundup: July 14-27, 2006.
In the News. Remy Benoit
From USA Today and Andrea Stone Rice to go back to Middle East; EU offers peacekeepers.
From CNN Blair to press Bush on Mideast.
From Time and Scott MacLeod Egypt's Mubarak: "No Light at the End of the Tunnel".
People are dying, cities are being leveled, homes destroyed. All efforts, from all quarters, need to be directed to a ceasefire. This is important to all of us.
War is very personal. When will we see that and demand as much effort be put into solving problems as into making war.
FEMA/Mike Brown/Formaldehyde. Remy Benoit
From the AP and CNN Michael Brown on lawmaker: 'He can bite me'
Mississippi congressman, former FEMA director trade barbs.
From MSNBC, Mike Brunker, and Rising from the Ruins FEMA Trailers 'Toxic Tin Cans'?.
I sat here and read some of the comments to the above article.
First, we are so very grateful on the Gulf Coast to all who have so opened their hearts to us, including the State of Qatar $100M Qatar fund starts working on recovery.
The Qatar Katrina Relief Fund.
Secondly, recovery from a catastrophe of the proportions of Katrina takes a long, long time.
Let me ask this question - How many of you around the country are prepared for the idea of losing everything you have? What plan do you have in place to deal with that?
Most people are not prepared for even a week's survival without all the things, the conveniences to which we are accustomed. Are you one of them?
I cannot explain to you what it feels like to be living in a FEMA can, in the backyard, behind your gutted home, waiting on officialdom to get it right, so you can get it done.
Remember the old expression, 'There but for the grace of God go I.'
There are all kinds of 'natural catastrophes' - fire, wind, tornado, floods, hurricanes, tsunami.
Which one favors your area? How are you prepared to cope with it?
How much do you feel you can depend on the government to be there when you need them?
How many hours, days, are you ready to keep dialing a FEMA number that is busy?
If you are not prepared for catastrophe, please take a look at these two books. The levels of incompetence in crisis will astonish you.
Jed Horne Breach of Faith: Hurricane Katrina and the Near Death of a Great American City.
Douglas Brinkley The Great Deluge.
We live on a very fragile blue planet. We need to take better care of it, and each other.
Coming home? Not. Remy Benoit
From the AP and CNN U.S. may send 5,000 more troops to Baghdad
Homecoming delayed for thousands as military tries to stem Iraq violence.
From the Washington Post, Joshua Partlow, and Veterans for America Waiting to Get Blown Up -- Some Troops in Baghdad Express Frustration With the War and Their Mission.
Long, long, long way from 'mission accomplished.'
Bush/Blair Call for Cease-fire. Remy Benoit
From CNN Bush, Blair call for Mideast cease-fire multinational force proposed for southern Lebanon.
At War. Remy Benoit
From the AP and MSNBC Israel rejects U.N. call for temporary cease-fire.
From the AP and MSNBC Three U.S. Marines killed in Iraq’s Anbar.
From Reuters and MSNBC UN says 6,000 Iraqi civilians killed in May-June.
From Reuters, Michael Georgy and MSNBC None left untouched by daily violence in Baghdad.
From ABC News and Kathy Gannon 500,000 Israelis Living in Bomb Shelters.
From the Washington Post and Will Dunham US says no plans to boost troops further in Iraq.
From Voice of America and Sonja Pace Diplomats Disagree on How to Stop Lebanon Fighting.
From Joshua Holland and AlterNet, some things to consider Bush's Iraq: A Bloodbath Economy.
Costs Not Clarified. Remy Benoit
From Reuters and MSNBC Report: State Dept. hid costs of Iraqi projects.
Can you be an angel to a soldier?
Soldiers' Angels.
Shellshock. Remy Benoit
From the AP and Military.com Shellshocked Soldiers Emerge From Battle.
From Newsweek and Scott Johnson 'Tipping Point'.
How many lives, homes can be lost in a week?
Perhaps we need to show more of the graphic footage of war, of the wounded, of the dead on the television. Maybe then we would understand we need to find a better way. Would that showing offend sensibilities? Well, maybe they need to be offended to work to find a better way. Sometimes truth hurts, a lot. But only when we face it can we deal with it. War is ugly.
Israel to Widen Ground War. Remy Benoit
From CNN Israel OKs expansion of Lebanon campaign.
The world watches, waits as animosities build.
The parties must be brought to the table.
Citizens around the world must take a stand and let their voice be heard.
Destruction in the Middle East is not the road to peace.
From CNN Key Republican breaks with Bush on Mideast
Nebraska's Sen. Hagel calls for immediate cease-fire.
Storm Possibilities Should Not be Taken Lightly. Remy Benoit
From MSNBC, Scott Cohn, CNBC East Coast may be overdue for killer storm.
From MSNBC, Sharon Epperson, CNBC Millions are underinsured for next big storm.
From Weather Underground and Dr. Jeff Masters WunderBlog.
Be prepared. Do not expect anyone else to prepare for you. It just doesn't work that way.
Lebanon and Iraq. Remy Benoit
From MSNBC, Anthony Shadid, and The Washington Post What next, Lebanon? Consternation grips nation as it again looks up from war’s ruins.
From CNN Iraq car bombs kill at least 39.
When will we all grow weary enough of war to find a better way?
Dear Mr. President. Remy Benoit
From the Democratic Leadership to President Bush:
From the New York Times, Adam Nagourney, and Truthout Democratic Leaders Ask Bush to Redeploy Troops in Iraq.
Issues of Import. Remy Benoit
From the Inter Press Service, Jim Lobe and Common Dreams Republican Realists Call for Major Course Change.
From CNN (Iraq) President: Iraqi forces to take over by year's end.
From the AP and CNN Iraq businesses shut down due to violence
Baghdad's once bustling commercial hubs are now deserted streets.
An Opinion from Lou Dobbs. Remy Benoit
From CNN Dobbs: Five-weeks off for 'do-nothing Congress.'
Rumsfeld and the Senate. Remy Benoit
From the AP and MSNBC Rumsfeld to face tough questions on Iraq war.
From CNN Head of U.S. command: Iraq civil war possible.
Bill Moyers for President?. Remy Benoit
From Truthdig, Molly Ivins and Truthout Run Bill Moyers For President, Seriously.
Air Quality and FEMA trailers. Remy Benoit
From MSNBC, Rising from the Ruins, and Mike Brunker FEMA U-turn on trailer tests.
War, War, and more War. Remy Benoit
From MSNBC Israel hits bridges, expands Lebanon bombing.
From ABC News and Murtada Faraj Iraqi Shiites Chant 'Death to Israel'.
From Truthout and John Kerry John Kerry: "Administration Sending US Troops Into Crossfire of Escalating Civil War".
From Desert Dispatch News, Adrienne Ziegler, and Veterans for America Life after war.
From the AP, Hamza Hendawi, and Truthout Israel and Hezbollah Continue War; Civilian Death Toll Rises.
From Tom Paine and Tom Barry 'New American Century' Lives On.
From the AP and Fox News Rice Signals Possible Compromise to Reach Cease-Fire in Mideast.
From the Voice of America US-Led Troops, Afghan Soldiers Kill 25 Taleban Fighters.
From The Daily Nebraskan and Nicole Snider Artist remembers fallen soldiers through portraits.
Cities are being leveled; lives lost; injuries multiplying. It is said that war is a failure of diplomacy. Perhaps diplomats should be held to some responsibility.
Committees of Correspondence Redux. Remy Benoit
From Truthout and Stirling Newberry The Revolution Is Not Being Televised.
Down History Lane From Early America The Committee of Correspondence: Moving Towards ndependence By Brian D. McKnight.
Hillary Clinton would like your input on the track in Iraq. Tell Me What You Think. In fact, write your Senators and Representatives and tell them all what you think! It is your country.
Veteran Legislative Update. Remy Benoit
From Veterans for America Legislative Update.
Resolution for Cessation of Hostilities. Remy Benoit
From Reuters and MSNBC Draft truce calls for ‘full cessation of hostilities’.
Jimmy Carter. Remy Benoit
From the AP and CNN Carter: Bush Israel's 'worst ally' in D.C..
Coming Tuesday: Primary in Connecticut. Remy Benoit
From The Washington Post, Don Blaz, and Truthout Conn. Race Could Be Democratic Watershed.
From the McClatchy Washington Bureau and Tom Lasseter Iraqi Civil War has Already Begun, US Troops Say.
Opinons from The Progressive and Matthew Rothschild Tom Friedman Throws in the Towel on Iraq.
From Inside Defense.com and Military.com McCain: Major DoD Budget Crunch Looms.
224th Anniversary of the Purple Heart. Remy Benoit
Military Order of the Purple Heart.
On the War Fronts. Remy Benoit
From the New York Times Magazine and Michael Young Hezbollah's Other War.
From Time and Aparisim Ghosh Life in Hell: Baghdad Diary.
From NPR and John Hendren Iraq Still Manages to Shock.
PTSD of Epidemic Proportions. Remy Benoit
From the Rhode Island News and Veterans for America The Army Major Sees a PTSD Epidemic.
PTSD of Epidemic Proportions. Remy Benoit
From the Rhode Island News, Bob Kerr, and Veterans for America The Army Major Sees a PTSD Epidemic.
From Chris Rose's Front Stoop In New Orleans. Remy Benoit
A New Appreciation for Hurricane Season.
As Chris notes, N'Awlins is in the blood of those who love her. She will come back, never doubt it for a moment.
Here We Go Again at the VA. Remy Benoit
From MSNBC and Bob Sullivan VA loses another computer with personal info Subcontractor Unisys can't find desktop with up to 38,000 vets' data.
Looking for Something to Read?. Remy Benoit
From the Guardian, UK, and Robert Mc Crum
The 100 greatest novels of all time: The list.
Americas Are Still Dying in Iraq and Afghanistan. Remy Benoit
From Newsday, Jimmy Breslin, and Veterans for America In case we all forgot, Americans are still dying in Iraq.
From the AP and Military.com Troops Endure 125 Degrees in Iraq.
From the AP and Military.com U.S. Forces Push Further Into Afghanistan.
From the New York Times, Jim Rutenberg, and Common Dreams ‘Civil War’ Is Uttered, and White House’s Iraq Strategy Is Dealt a Blow.
From the AP and Truthout John Edwards Calls for Withdrawal of Some Troops From Iraq.
From the Guardian, UK, and Gary Younge in Connecticut, and Common Dreams Democrats Who Oppose Illegal Wars and Torture Want to Reclaim the Party.
From the AP, Mark Niesse, and Truthout Kennedy: Jury's Out on US Democracy.
Stress, rage, fear, war. Remy Benoit
War is ugly. We seem to have a hard grasping that.
We act surprised when things run amuck.
War is a breakdown in communication to begin with.
In extreme conditions there are extreme breakdowns. Recognition does not mean condoning ir excusing, but it does mean a place to start working to change things.
The sooner we recognize that, the sooner we work collectively to find a better way.
From CNN Stress sent soldiers to drink and drugs, colleague testifies.
Lamont over Lieberman. Remy Benoit
At the moment, Joe Lieberman is giving his speech conceeding to Ned Lamont while also saying he will file for Independent candidacy from Connecticut.
Update from CNN Lieberman concedes to Lamont, vows to run in November.
From Tom Paine and Robert L. Borosage Triumph Of The New Moral Center.
War, Soldiers, and Their Families Health. Remy Benoit
From the Detroit News, Paul Egan, and Veterans for America Is family a Gulf War casualty?.
From the IAVA Vets in Buffalo Need Your Help.
From USA Today, Greg Zoroya, and Veterans for America Center for war-related brain injuries faces budget cut.
Congress Would Leave 150,000 at Risk for Serious Brain Damage. Remy Benoit
From Veterans for America Statement by Jonathan Powers, Associate Director of Veterans for America, And Bobby Muller, Chairman of Vietnam Veterans of America Foundation
CONGRESS WOULD LEAVE AN ESTIMATED 150,000 TROOPS AT RISK FOR SERIOUS BRAIN DAMAGE
House and Senate Would Cut Defense Appropriations Funding for Traumatic Brain Injury Research and Treatment by 1/2.
Please call/write your Representatives/Senators and demand decent care of our Veterans. Do it today!
This is a simple message that I have been sending out to Representatives and Senators:
We are outraged that Congress would even consider cutting the funding for Traumatic Brain Injury suffered by our troops.
There is simply NO justification for not supplying combat troops with the proper equipment and then not responding in every conceivable way to treat them when they are injured, physically, emotionally, and, indeed, spiritually.
The Congress is answerable to them, and to all of us.
Thank you for your kind attention in this TOP PRIORITY matter.
Questions Concerning Iraq War. Remy Benoit
From the Christian Science Monitor, Gail Russell Chaddock and Veterans for America Rising unease in Congress over Iraq war.
From CNN Richardson calls on Lieberman to step aside.
George McGovern. Remy Benoit
From Newsweek, Eleanor Clift, and MSNBC ‘Ready For Change’ George McGovern shares his views on the anti-war movement, the Lieberman defeat and why Hillary Clinton needs to be gutsier.
Helen Thomas on Mid-East Talks. Remy Benoit
From the Seattle Post Intelligencer, Helen Thomas, and Common Dreams Rice is in Way over Her Head.
Coming Home to New Orleans. Remy Benoit
From the Los Angeles Times, Ann M. Simmons, and Truthout Sense of Duty Lures 'Expats' Back Home to New Orleans.
Welcome Home!! Your city needs you!
MId-Term Elections Coming. Remy Benoit
From the AP and Common Dreams Bush Opposition Growing, Poll Finds.
From the Daytona Beach News-Journal, Pierre Tristam, and Common Dreams America Struggles With Its Own Evangelical Taliban.
"The Frightened". Remy Benoit
From William Rivers Pitt and Truthout The Frightened.
Ceasefire. Remy Benoit
From the AP, the Seattle Post Intelligencer, and Sam F. Ghattas Road ahead difficult for ending conflict.
Fight Stigma Attached to Mental Stress of War. Remy Benoit
From the Nashville Tennessean Editorial Board and Veterans for America Fight mental illness stigma.
For your own good, for the good of your family, if you feel you have PTSD get help.
Senator Ted Kennedy. Remy Benoit
From Truthout and Ted Kennedy Demeaning Democracy.
From Newsweek, Evan Thomas, and MSNBC The New Age of Terror.
From the Minneaplis Star Tribune an Editorial at Common Dreams Lieberman, Cheney and the War in Iraq
The White House recognizes a vote of noconfidence.
Voices of New Orleans. Remy Benoit
From the Observer
The day that music died.
Come on home to N'Awlins. She needs you!!
For each of you who has enjoyed her music, who has felt her heartbeat, help her in any way you can! Please.
From Ten18Films Hexing a Hurricane.
Governors Want Control of National Guard. Remy Benoit
From The Washington Post, Dan Balz, and Truthout Governors Oppose Federal Control of Guard.
Yet Another "Them" and "Us". Remy Benoit
When I read the article below, No brats allowed!" I was overcome by a sense of outrage.
We have a way of separating from each other. We send our young to fight, die, to be catastrophically injured, and yet when they come home as Veterans they are separated from us. The VA cannot handle the number of Veterans we supply them because there is always yet another PRIORITY that demands the funds. And we let that happen. Congress would leave an estimated 150,000 troops at risk for serious brain damage. We send them to war ill equipped and accept “You fight with the army you have,” leaving the troops exposed to serious injuries.
By any standard, that is not in the public, personal, or common good interest. From New Partisan and Henry Stern In Defense of the Public Interest.
From MSNBC and Victoria Clayton "No brats allowed!". refers to our children, separating them from us. Ms. Clayton is simply reporting was is said, felt and that is what is so troubling. When you birth a child, you sign on for parenting, quite literally for life. It is a huge, a VAST responsibility. Our children are not becoming real people, they are born real, Lord willing, whole people. It is up to us to guide them in the ways of their culture, and yes, that does mean teaching them behavior in many situations. But it does not mean separating them from the "real world of the grownups." Of course, there are places where children should not be as little ones.
But once upon a time children, and oh dear, yes teenagers were included in the life of the village, the town, the city. Often included disastrously as abused child labor. There was no thought to give a wedding and say "No children invited."
We wonder why our young feel alienated from us.
We wonder why teenagers create their own society.
Did it ever occur to us that we create the situation where they need to in order to have a sense of acceptance, of place?
Schools are them and us places, even though allegedly they are places to educate, to bring out, the best in our young. Follow the rules, or else. Well, sometimes the rules, and, oh my again, the curricula, need changing. The students need the same respect given them as their teachers demand from them. But there is a catch here. Courtesy, a dying art in itself, can be demanded, but respect must be earned.
Manners must be taught, compassion given, and great patience learned.
And the separation thoughts must be eliminated if we have a chance at all of peace.
From Afghanistan: A Personal View of War. Remy Benoit
From the Daily Herald, Katie Schmitt, and Veterans for America A soldier's story of Afghanistan.
Ben Okri: Treat life as a workshop. Remy Benoit
This is a MUST read for parents, teachers, and yes, you too from Jurriaan Kamp and Ode Magazine “Treat life as a workshop to find out who you are”.
Yet Another Hit from Katrina. Remy Benoit
From the AP and CNN Judge: Insurance policy excluded flood damage
Ruling could set a precedent for hundreds of other court challenges.
Hesitant Hezbollah. Remy Benoit
From The Washington Post, Edward Cody and Doug Struck, and MSNBC Hezbollah balks at withdrawal from south.
Iraq. Remy Benoit
From the AP and Military.com Al-Qaida Gains Strength in Iraq.
Plame Case. Remy Benoit
From Reuters, Gina Keating, and Truthout Plame Lawyer Plans to Force Cheney, Rove Testimony.
Support Treatment for Our Troops. Remy Benoit
Tell Congress to support proper treatment for our troops.
From the IAVA Congress is Slashing Funding for Troops' Brain Injury Treatment.
They gave themselves a raise, but won't support the treatment for the troops, nor pass an increase in minimum wage. Perhaps some of them should have their vacation time extended indefinitely.
WE WILL REMEMBER IN NOVEMBER!!
Support our Troops.
From the New York Times, Michael R. Gordon, Mark Mazzetti and Thom Shanker, and Truthout Bombs Aimed at GIs in Iraq Are Increasing.
Pain, Living With What One Has Come to Know. Remy Benoit
From Sarah Olson and Truthout Iraq War Vets' Support for Lt. Watada Growing.
Superpower. Remy Benoit
From CNN and Lou Dobbs Dobbs: It's good to be a superpower.
Warrantless Eavesdropping Ruled Unconstitutional. Remy Benoit
From CNN NSA eavesdropping program ruled unconstitutional.
From CNN NSA eavesdropping program ruled unconstitutional
Administration appeals; attorney general says 'program is lawful'.
A Veteran's Voice from the UK. Remy Benoit
Tony McNally is a Veteran of the Falklands War and knows up close and personal the impact of PTSD on a Veteran's Life.
He is the author of Cloudpuncher You may read my review of his book at Cloudpuncher.
Please join Tony and his writings at Watching Men Burn. He has some things to say that need saying. We need to listen to Veterans from all over the world to know of war and their lives after it. We need to be there for them; they are not separate from us, they are our own.
Musicians' Village, New Orleans. Remy Benoit
This is awesome!!
We are all trying to save our city, save its incredible heritage, save its sweet music.
From Habitat for Humanity Harry Connick, Jr., Branford and Ellis Marsalis Partner with Habitat to Build a Musicians' Village in New Orleans' Upper 9th Ward.
This is also our reality from CorpWatch and Truthout Big, Easy Money: Disaster Profiteering on the American Gulf Coast.
Of Concern to Soldiers. Remy Benoit
From the AP and Military.com Troops Express Worries About Iraq.
Saturday in the News. Remy Benoit
From the AP and Military.com Bush Blasts Court Ruling on Surveillance.
From Joe Galloway and Military.com Shame on Congress.
Pieces of wars, of lives. Remy Benoit
From OneWorld and Aaron Glantz and Truthout Bush Must Negotiate to Make America Safer, Say Former Generals.
From The Washington Post, Petula Dvorak, and MSNBC WWII secret interrogators break their silence.
From The Washington Post, Donna St. George, and MSNBC Female Iraq vet is home but still haunted.
From the AP and Military.com The Recall of U.S. Troops.
From the Washington Post, Daniel L. Byman and Kenneth M. Pollack, and Truthout What Next?.
From the New York Times, Lizette Alvarez, and Truthout 70's Law Costs 61,000 Military Widows Thousands of Dollars in Survivor Benefits.
In an Appeals Court Ruling last Wednesday the decision said that those patrolling the waters off the coast of Vietnam can now make claims for Agent Orange Related illnesses. Contact your VA.
From Ray McGovern and Common Dreams The Constitution: Checking a Would-Be King.
Down History Lane With Barbara Jordan. Remy Benoit
When I looked at the date of this speech, a speech so filled with pride of country, pride of law, pride of our Constitution, I was amazed that so many years have passed since the day she delivered it to the House Judiciary Committee, July 25, 1974.
I recall sitting there, bound by the cadence of her speech, the power of her voice, and the sheer integrity of the woman, who as she said, was not at the time of its writing considered one of the "WE the people."
I give you Texas Democrat Barbara Jordan (1936-1996) Barbara Jordan: Statement on the Articles of Impeachment.
Hoping to Pass Time with the President. Remy Benoit
Seems a local man is taking a FEMA trailer to Washington, D.C., hoping to park it on the lawn of the White House, and to pass some time, maybe on the front porch, with the President. Hey, he is bringing red roulade, not a dish to be turned down.
From Nola.com and Bob Warren ROAD TRIP Take one FEMA trailer, add an impassioned man: Washington is about to get shaken up.
He wants to keep the Gulf Coast in clear view as still being in much need of recovery.
For another view from the front stoop, join our Chris Rose at A New Orleans Stoop: Solace After the Storm by Michele Norris. And do get a copy of Chris Rose and Charlie Varley One dead in the Attic.
Re-Classifying Cold War Material. Remy Benoit
From The Washington Post, Christopher Lee, and MSNBC Cold War information target of new blackout.
Court Ruling Favors Navy Vietnam Veterans. Remy Benoit
From Military.com and Terry Howell Court Expands Coverage for Vietnam Vets.
Levee Failure - "worst engineering failure in American history". Remy Benoit
Learn the facts!
Join and get updates on what is being done.
From William Rivers Pitt and Truthout They Called It Katrina.
From the AP and MSNBC Reports document post-Katrina failures.
Any American city could face destruction by the forces of nature. If we don't all stand behind New Orleans and the entire Gulf Coast, what will happen to your town, your shoreline, your city when disaster strikes? There are still blue roofs in Florida two years later. Something is not being done right. We need to know what and do something about it, all of us. We say here, "We are Louisiana." We need to say "We are the United States and we take care of our own."
Thousands of Marines Being Called Back. Remy Benoit
From the AP and MSNBC Marines to issue involuntary call-ups.
Have we considered what this does to them, to their familes?
Iraq 'a day at the beach'. Remy Benoit
From MSNBC McCain faults Bush administration on Iraq.
Mission Not Accomplished. Remy Benoit
From The Washington Post, Peter Baker, and MSNBC Bush shows pessimism on Iraq
President shifts tone as he makes case for U.S. policy.
From CNN Forces: U.S. & Coalition Casualties.
From Metro West Daily News, Jon Brodkin and Veterans for America PTSD: Veterans say the illness is very real and very debilitating.
Iraq Soul Searching and Armies. Remy Benoit
From Newsweek, Michael Hastings, and MSNBC American Psyche Is Iraq just the latest foreign battlefield for the United States to do some soul-searching?.
From The Washington Post, Ellen Knickmeyer, and MSNBC ‘Shiite giant’ extends its reach
Sadr’s armed movement becomes pivotal force in fractured Iraq.
From the AP and Military.com General: Iran Training Shiite Insurgents.
From Reuters and MSNBC Report rips U.S. intelligence on Iran.
Another Mission Not Accomplished. Remy Benoit
From Tom Paine and Ron Walters Mission Not Accomplished.
Military to Explain How Loved Ones Were Lost. Remy Benoit
From the AP and Military.com Army Reviewing Casualty Reports.
And for those who have come home, some assistance.
From The VA Watch Dog, Frank Q. Nebeker, and Veterans for America Former Chief Judge of Veterans' Court Says Veterans Should be Allowed to Use Attorneys in the VA Claims Process.
From the San Antonio Express News and Veterans for America It's the Law: Returning Reservists and National Guard eterans Get Their Jobs Back.
Broken Levees and More. Remy Benoit
From The Washington Post, Jonathan Weisman and Michael Abramowitz, and MSNBC Katrina’s damage lingers for Bush.
I believe there is a 4th image missing from this piece; the President in flight jacket saying "Mission Accomplished."
From Common Dreams and Emma Dixon Katrina Survivors Simply Blown Away.
From the Orange County Register, Blythe Bernard, and Veterans for America When War Never Ends.
Veterans Exposed to Atomic Radiation Decision. Remy Benoit
From Michael Doyle, McClatchy Newspapers, San Jose Mercury News and Veterans for America Veterans exposed to atomic radiation lose court ruling.
Rumsfeld Meets With 172nd Stryker Brigade Families. Remy Benoit
From the AP and MSNBC Rumsfeld to GIs’ families: I’m not Santa Claus.
Do Take Hurricanes Seriously. Remy Benoit
Tropical Storm Ernesto seems to be headed to Cuba and then Florida. Just hearing about another hurricane is quite upsetting here in Louisiana. It is not just a storm that comes on through; it can have long, long term impact on lives and areas.
From MSNBC and Bob Sullivan Impact of Katrina exodus felt far and wide.
For hurricane tracking Weather Underground.
From USA Today and David Jackson Bush returns again to Gulf Coast for Katrina anniversary.
From the New York Times, Frank Rich and Common Dreams Bush & Katrina: Return to the Scene of the Crime.
From the AP and MSNBC Levees could still fail in big storm, Corps warns.
From the AP and MSNBC New Orleans merchants struggle to rebound.
From the Palm Beach Post, Rachel Simmonsen and Teresa Lane in Florida Many still desperate to fix roofs.
Iraq. Remy Benoit
From the AP and Military.com Six U.S. Troops Killed in Iraq.
An Opinion Piece. Remy Benoit
From DarkSyde and the Daily Kos We Were Americans. This is a very blunt piece. Your comments are welcome.
Keep in mind, when a hurricane is coming, you are responsible for preparing yourself, your family, and your home for emergency, be that staying or leaving.
From Newsweek and Mark Hosenball and MSNBC It's Cheaper to Go Dutch
The Netherlands is expert at keeping itself dry. So why aren't U.S. bureaucrats seeking more of its help rebuilding the levees?.
Our appreciate to the people of the Netherlands who so graciously welcome our people from the Gulf Coast.
8 U.S. Soldiers Die Over Weekend. Remy Benoit
From MSNBC Iraqi troops locked in deadly battle with militia.
From CNN 17 killed in Afghan suicide blast.
Taxes on the Trail of Tragedy. Remy Benoit
From MSNBC, Bob Sullivan, and Rising from the Ruins Losers on Both Sides of Property Auction.
From MSNBC and Brian Williams The Big Easy: Where Nothing is Easy.
From CNN and Eliott C. McLaughlin A year later, recovery in New Orleans not easy.
There are Memorial Services all around the Gulf Coast today. Our prayers are with those lost in the storm and with those who are so struggling to go on with their lives entangled in sluggishness, red tape, and yes, corruption too.
To those who are in the path of Ernesto, our prayers also for your safety. Taxes on the Trail of Tragedy. Remy Benoit
From MSNBC, Bob Sullivan, and Rising from the Ruins Losers on Both Sides of Property Auction.
From MSNBC and Brian Williams The Big Easy: Where Nothing is Easy.
From CNN and Eliott C. McLaughlin A year later, recovery in New Orleans not easy.
There are Memorial Services all around the Gulf Coast today. Our prayers are with those lost in the storm and with those who are so struggling to go on with their lives entangled in sluggishness, red tape, and yes, corruption too.
To those who are in the path of Ernesto, our prayers also for your safety. Weather Underground/Tropical.
Iran. Remy Benoit
From CNN Iran's leader calls for TV debate with Bush.
Open debate, preferable to open combat? What do you think?
'Oh how I miss New Orleans'. Remy Benoit
From Leonard Earl Johnson and Consumer Affairs
To Miss New Orleans The Beat Goes On, The Beaten Just Go.
She is our lady, she is coming back! We love her.
Rumsfeld; 'a new type of fascism'. Remy Benoit
From the AP and MSNBC Rumsfeld: War critics have ‘moral ... confusion’.
Also in the news, from The Washington Post, Peter Baker and MSNBC Bush priorities clash with Kazakh’s visit
Autocrat Nazarbayev leads oil-rich country.
And from Ireland Online White House rejects Bush-Admadinejad debate idea.
Keith Olbermann on "moral and intellectual confusion". Remy Benoit
This is a video from Keith Olbermann in the tradition of Edward R. Murrow On Mr. Rumsfeld's Remarks.
Bush to Expand "Defeatist" Rhetoric. Remy Benoit
From The Washington Post, Peter Baker and Jim VandeHei, and MSNBC Bush team casts foes as defeatist
Blunt rhetoric signals a new thrust.
A time of war is a time for national unity, not name calling, not divisiveness. International diplomacy based on fear tactics is self-defeating.
From the AP and Truthout Rumsfeld: World Faces New "Fascism".
From the Arizona Daily Star Just who is actively manipulating whom?.
From the New York Times, Paul Von Zielbauer, and Veterans for America A Flick of a Lighter Kills Scores of Gas-Looting Iraqis.
From the Washington Post, Amit R. Paley, and Veterans for America Iraqi Hospitals Are War's New Killing Fields.
From the AP, Nedra Pickler, and Yahoo News Bush to renew defense of war strategy.
From the AP and Military.com Democrats Take Fire at Rumsfeld.
Marine Recall. Remy Benoit
From the PBS News Hour and Margaret Warner
U.S. Marines to Recall 1,200 Reservists to Iraq and Afghanistan.
Poll indicates growing doubt. Remy Benoit
From the AP and MSNBC Growing doubts in U.S. about military strategy.
From the New York Times, Edward Wong, and Truthout Attacks on Shiite Area in Baghdad Kill At Least 43.
From the New York Times, Andrew Rosenthal, and Common Dreams There Is Silence in the Streets; Where Have All the Protesters Gone?.
From the AP and Military.com Bush: US Must Win in Iraq.
From the Salt Lake City Tribune, Rebecca Walsh and Matthew D. LaPlante Old message, new style
Bush says war critics 'patriotic' - just wrong.
From Financial Times and Donald Dombey in London EU will continue nuclear talks with Tehran.
Katrina's Second Crisis. Remy Benoit
From TomPaine, Van Jones and James Rucker Katrina's Second Crisis.
Tropical Storm Ernesto is impacting in the Carolinas. Hurricane John threatens the Southwest. One never knows when his time is coming to be confronted with catastrophe. Be prepared. Be alert, and support legislation to provide real homeland security.
No confidence vote?. Remy Benoit
From The Washington Post, Jonathan Weisman, and Truthout Democrats Target Rumsfeld.
From the AP, Anne Plummer Flaherty and Yahoo News Rumsfeld reaches out to Democrats.
Pentagon Report. Remy Benoit
From the AP, Robert Burns and Yahoo News Pentagon gives gloomy Iraq report.
From the AP and Military.com DoD Releases Gloomy Iraq Report.
From the Seattle Post-Intelligencer, Helen Thomas, and Common Dreams Give Voters a Choice About War.
From the Christian Science Monitor and Tom Regan Polls show opposition to Iraq war at all-time high Sixty percent also say terrorism is more likely in US because of Iraq.
Pentagon: Iraq. Remy Benoit
Distorted History. Remy Benoit
From the New York Times, Frank Rich, and Truthout Donald Rumsfeld's Dance With the Nazis.
From Correspondents Report and Kim Landers 9/11 anniversary has Bush on the backfoot.
Unbalanced Pay Scales. Remy Benoit
From the Boston Globe, Derrick Z. Jackson, and Common Dreams Soldiers Die, CEOs Prosper.
Something to think about this Labor Day Weekend.
Disturbing Numbers. Remy Benoit
From CNN U.S. deaths in Iraq, war on terror surpass 9/11 toll.
From CNN Bush predicts victory in long struggle against terrorism.
More diplomacy is needed; more negotiations.
Deaths Continue to Mount In Iraq. Remy Benoit
Last two days claim 7 Coalition deaths, 5 of them Americans, plus many Iraqis.
From the AP and MSNBC More than 30 bodies found across Baghdad
Coalition reports deaths of 7 troops a day after terror leader arrested.
From the AP and Military.com Bush: Iraq has not Fallen Into Civil War.
From Military Families Speak Out andCommon Dreams Veterans and Military Families Hold Press Conference and Day of Events to Open Camp Democracy September 5th.
International Affairs. Remy Benoit
From the AP and MSNBC Bush struggles to deliver As 9/11 anniversary approaches, foreign policy frustration seen.
From The Independent, UK, Tom Coghlan and Kim Sengupta and Truthout The War on Terror, Five Years on: An Era of Constant Warfare.
From the AP and Military.com Lawmakers Want DOD Changes.
From Military.com, Tom Philpott, and Abbey M. Brown Stryker Wives Admired.
From the AP, ABC, and Deb Reichmann Bush Warns on Foreign Oil Dependence.
You cannot keep outsourcing manufacturing and provide work for skilled labor.
Tool and die makers are important to any economy. If you are not familiar with the term, this will explain U. S. Dept of Labor Tool and Die Makers.
Down History Lane to the present with Executive Intelligence Review by Richard Freeman WALTER REUTHER'S 1940 PLAN.
From the AP and MSNBC Rumsfeld calls for 'constructive' debate on Iraq
Defense Secretary goes on offensive after Democrats assail recent rhetoric.
From the AP and MSNBC GOP candidates stress independence from Bush.
Mercenaries Sue Blackwater. Remy Benoit
From The Virginian-Pilot, Bill Sizemore and Veterans for America Columbians Paid $1,000/month, Americans Paid $10,000/month.
Bush to Unveil New Plans. Remy Benoit
From Reuters and MSNBC Bush to unveil plan on Guantanamo prisoners.
From the AP and MSNBC Bush seeks coalition to solve N. Korea standoff.
From CNN
Bush: Bin Laden's intentions as clear as Hitler's.
From Jeff Edwards and Military.com A Tale of Two Sons.
From the New York Times, Michael R. Gordon, and Truthout Soldiers' Stories: Endurance Meets Doubt in Iraq.
Iraq - Get together or go under. Remy Benoit
From Reuters and MSNBC Speaker: Iraq has only months to avoid collapse.
Some views on all this from outside the U.S.
From Tom Paine and Rami G. Khouri, editor-at-large of the Beirut-based Daily Star Bush's Terror Tales.
From the Independent, UK, Patrick Cockburn, and Common Dreams Another Fatal Day in the 'War on Terror'.
And from the Salt Lake Tribune, and Mayor Rocky Anderson of Salt Lake City Transcript of Mayor Rocky Anderson's speech.
Geneva Accords. Remy Benoit
From CNN Top terror detainees to face military tribunals.
Secret Prisons Acknowledged. Remy Benoit
From the AP and MSNBC Bush acknowledges secret CIA prisons.
From the AP and Military.com Al-Qaida No. 2 on Ice for Months.
And from the Guardian, UK, Jonathan Freedland, and Common Dreams a look at Blair, Bush, Terrorism, and War Blair's Legacy is a Reckless Adventure That's Wreaked Havoc the World over.
From the AP and Forbes Excerpts From Lawmakers' Letter to Blair.
And a Robert Greenwald Film Iraq for Sale.
From the Seattle Post Intelligencer Roadside bomb kills Stryker Brigade soldier.
Anti-RPG. Remy Benoit
From MSNBC, Adam Ciralsky and Lisa Meyers Army shuns system to combat RPGs.
From MSNBC, Adam Ciralsky and Lisa Myers Did the Army favor Raytheon in anti-RPG bid?.
Ready by 2011? Another thing the troops need to wait for?
Shared Sacrifice, Not Profits. Remy Benoit
From the Seattle Post-Intelligencer, Sarah Anderson, and Common Dreams Emphasis Should Be on Shared Sacrifice, Not Personal Gain.
From CNN Taliban claim deadly Kabul bombing.
From the AP and Globe and Mail White House shrugs off Khatami visit.
From ABC News and Jim Abrams Senate to Issue Iraq Intelligence Report.
From the AP and MSNBC Bush plans prime-time speech on 9/11.
Iraq, Saddam, et.al.. Remy Benoit
From the AP and MSNBC Senate report: No Saddam, al-Qaida link
Long-awaited analysis also finds that anti-Saddam group misled U.S..
From Military.com and Joe Galloway Military Leaders Want New Iraq Strategy.
From the AP, Jim Abrams, and Truthout Senate: Saddam Saw al-Qaida as Threat.
From Truthout and Larry C. Johnson Senate Intel Committee Bloodies Bush's Nose.
From The Guardian, UK, Simon Tisdale and Common Dreams Bush and Bin Laden Locked in an Embrace.
Chicken wings, tacos, cheese sticks. Remy Benoit
From the Los Angeles Times, T. Christian Miller, and Truthout Halliburton Fraud Lawsuit Details Super Bowl Party.
Long time more in Afghanistan. Remy Benoit
From MSNBC and Alex Johnson Cheney: U.S. to be in Afghanistan a long time.
From Reuters and Yahoo News NATO states say will honor Afghan troop pledges.
From The Washington Post, Dana Priest and Ann Scott Tyson, and MSNBC Bin Laden trail goes ‘stone cold’.
From the Washington Monthly, Kevin Drum, and Truthout "He Would Fire the Next Person That Said That".
From the Duluth News Tribune and Jim Morrill and McClatchy Newspapers National security emerges, again, as a critical issue in politics.
5 Years Later. Remy Benoit
Today is Patriot Day, honoring those who met such a terrible end in the Twin Towers, Pentagon, and on United 93.
President Bush will speak tonight, once again, on the War on Terror.
Today, as they have for many, many months now, our troops are on active duty in Afghanistan and in Iraq. The numbers of KIA, WIA on both fronts continue to grow, as do the casualties of the civilian populations of both countries, and of their insurgents, both native and international. The insatiable gods of war are never sated.
From Iraq and the Stryker Brigade a reminder of the impact on the lives of those who serve, and those who love and miss them. From Newsweek, Michael Hastings, and MSNBC Straight to the Heart Battle Cries: For U.S. troops and their wives and children, the Iraq war's invisible costs just keep on piling up.
On a personal note to a couple of you stationed in Iraq - Brandon, your dog, Sally, whom we adopted, is doing fine! To Mike, the son of my folks' neighbor, to all of you in uniform, our prayers are with you.
From 2001, the Daily Show, and a Patriot with a strong voice, Jon Stewart Post 9/11. Bless you for this, Jon.
Where do we stand?. Remy Benoit
From CNN 9/11's 'astonishing unity' has given way to bitter partisanship.
While the partisanship drags on; while accusations are made back and forth, there remains a huge hole in the ground in New York; there remains New Orleans and the Gulf Coast as disaster areas. Two years after Ivan there are blue roofs in Florida.
Haven't been to Missouri and other areas impacted by tornadoes but I assume they need help.
Are our ports any safer; are our airways any safer?
Are we making real headway in Afghanistan and Iraq?
Are our Veterans getting the medical care they deserve?
Where exactly do we stand with ourselves?
What are your feelings on all of this? There is an election coming up. It is time to think about where you stand on all this.
From MSNBC and Keith Olbermann, an Opinion piece A Hole in the Ground.
President Bush's Speech on the 5th Anniversary of 9/11 Transcript.
Terrorism. Remy Benoit
From The Washington Post, Dan Balz and Michael Abramowitz and MSNBC Bush tries to win over war-weary nation
Five years after 9/11, his capacity to move public is weakened.
From MSNBC Gunmen attack U.S. Embassy in Damascus.
From Robert Bullard and Common Dreams Can Americans Trust the Government to Protect Them?
Lessons from the World Trade Center Ground Zero and the Aftermath of Katrina.
A Sense of History. Remy Benoit
From Newsweek, Evan Thomas, and MSNBC Reading Lessons Why Bush’s historical analogies don’t always hold up.
From The Washington Post, Peter Baker, and MSNBC Bush tells group he sees a ‘Third Awakening’.
As to care for our Veterans:
From the AP and CNN VA report: There is no Gulf War syndrome.
From Newsweek, Michael Hastings, and MSNBC Straight to the Heart.
From The Independent UK, Kim Sengupta, and Truthout Soldiers Reveal Horror of Afghan Campaign.
From Reuters and MSNBC Baghdad death squads kill 60 as bombs kill 22
Recovery of bound, tortured bodies highlights sectarian violence in capital.
From the AP and Military.com Army Combat Death Plan Revealed.
War, 9/11, Peace. Remy Benoit
From Newsweek, Rabbi Marc Gellman, and MSNBC A Prayer for After 9/11 In this time of bitter partisanship, America would do well to remember who its real enemies are.
From the AP and MSNBC Bush visiting Congress to get war support
Move follows internal GOP tension over interrogations, wiretapping.
From the AP, Mary Dalrymple, and Truthout GOP, Dems Spar Over Bush Speech on 9/11.
From Senator Byrd and Common Dreams I Hope That We May Find the Courage....
VOTE VETS. Remy Benoit
It is, indeed, 'confused thinking' to send troops to war without adequate equipment, without an exit plan.
It is untenable to not have adequate funding to help them recover when they come home injured physically, mentally, spiritually.
WE WILL REMEMBER IN NOVEMBER!
With that in mind, VoteVets.
Powell Opposes Bush. Remy Benoit
From the AP and MSNBC Powell blasts Bush’s plan for interrogations.
For those of you not familiar with it, this link from Answers.com will explain the Powell Doctrine.
The Power of Words. Remy Benoit
From the AP and MSNBC Turkish official compares pope to Hitler
Politician joins outcry across Muslim world over pontiff's comments in Islam.
Murtha et.al.. Remy Benoit
From Jason Leopold and Truthout Murtha Lays the Dead at Rumsfeld's Door.
From Joe Galloway and Military.com Truth is Again a War Casualty.
From MSNBC Facing revolt, Bush defends terror proposals
‘Time is running out,’ president says, rejecting criticism by Powell, others.
From The Washington Post and Truthout an Editorial from the Pos A Defining Moment for America.
General Colin L. Powell, USA Retired to Senator John McCain.
From the Kingston Daily Freeman, Katie Young, and Common Dreams Mall Sues War Protesters.
Sometimes truth is inconvenient, upsetting? Sorry to interupt your shopping with the reality of dying soldiers.
Papal Apology. Remy Benoit
From Reuters and MSNBC Pope sorry his Islam remarks found offensive.
This is the text of Pope Benedict's Speech Faith, Reason and the University Memories and Reflections.
From Newsweek, Jon Meacham, and MSNBC A Pope’s Holy War
By quoting a 14th-century Christian emperor on an ‘evil and inhuman’ Islam, Benedict XVI ignites a global storm. What was he thinking?.
Behind the Debate on Interrogation. Remy Benoit
From R. Jeffrey Smith, The Washington Post, and MSNBC Behind the debate, extreme techniques
Bush, CIA officials say harsh interrogation options are vital.
We need to decided who we are and tell that to our Congressman and the Administration.
From The Nation, Jeremy Brecher and Brendan Smith, and Truthout The Content of our Character.
This was the Democratic Plan suggested but not carried through for Real Security.
From The Washington Post, Rajiv Chandrasekaran, and MSNBC Ties to GOP trumped skill on Iraq team
In rebuilding effort, loyalty to Bush administration was paramount.
From the AP and CNN Analysts: Bush's cowboy image waning; world still wary.
The Tentacles of War. Remy Benoit
From The Washington Post, Sudarsan Raghavan, and MSNBC Violence takes toll on storied Baghdad street
City’s intellectual ground zero is shadow of what it once was.
From the AP and MSNBC U.S. detainees abroad face a legal vacuum
14,000 languish in American hands with few rights or charges filed.
From the New York Times, Jim Rutenberg and Sheryl Gay Stolberg and Truthout Bush Says GOP Rebels Are Putting Nation at Risk.
From Newsweek, CC Goldwater, and MSNBC Goldwater Today CC Goldwater on what her grandfather would make of today’s GOP.
From the AP and Fox News Bombs in Iraq Kill at Least 24, Injure Over 80 in Northern City of Kirkuk.
From the McClatchy Newspapers, Warren P. Strobel and John Walcott and Common Dreams In a Replay of Iraq, A Battle is Brewing Over Intelligence on Iran.
From The Daily News, The Front Page, Lisa L Colangelo and Michael Saul in New York
and Michael McAuliff in Washington No $2B for 9/11 heroes Senate dumps Hil's bid for med aid.
From the AP, Nedra Pickler, and Yahoo News Bush to head to U.N. with host of issues.
Positions on what we stand for. Remy Benoit
From The Nation, Jeremy Brecher and Brendan L. Smith, and Alternet Bush's Fight with Congress over Torture Defines Our Character.
From Newsweek, Michael Isikoff and MSNBC ‘What Americans Stand For’ Sen. Lindsey Graham discusses why he is so opposed to President Bush’s plans on military tribunals and why the United States should never sanction torture.
From The Washington Post, Doug Struck, and MSNBC Canadian was falsely accused, panel says
Muslim held by U.S. was sent to Syria for interrogation.
From the AP and Military.com White House to Revise Terror Proposal.
From the AP and Military.com Bush to Promote Mideast Strategy.
From Keith Olbermann and MSNBC and Countdown Bush owes us an apology.
From Foreign Policy in Focus, John Feffer, and Common Dreams Katrina: The Final Frontier.
The Rule of Law. Remy Benoit
From The Washington Post, Charles Babington and Jonathan Weisman, and MSNBC Detainee bill by GOP rebels may face filibuster
Frist warns opponents of Bush's proposal they must accept key provisions.
From Jurist, The University of Pittsburgh, and Jordan Paust of the University of Houston Law Center A Plea to Congress on Military Commission Procedures .
From the AP and Truthout Senators Want More Iraq Reports Declassified.
Positions Stated. Remy Benoit
From The Washington Post, Glenn Kessler, and MSNBC U.S. policy on Iran evolves toward diplomacy
U.N. speech shows Bush more willing to engage in the difficult negotiations.
From NBC and MSNBC Iran’s president says Bush pushing for war
In NBC interview, Ahmadinejad claims U.S. still stuck in Cold War mindset. See also the interview with Brian Williams and Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.
Iraq and More. Remy Benoit
From the AP and MSNBC Iraqi forces take over from Italians in south
Dhi Qar is the second province to come under local control.
From CNN Bush would send troops inside Pakistan to catch bin Laden.
From Yahoo News Bill Clinton: U.S. should talk to Iran.
From the AP, Laurie Kellman, and Yahoo News Tug-of-war over interrogation tactics.
From the Los Angeles Times and Truthout No One Dares to Help.
From The University of Pittsburgh School of Law, Jurist, and Alex Unkovic US House passes voter ID card legislation.
Down the Doughnut Hole: The Ravages of Plan D. Remy Benoit
From Tom Paine and Rep. Jan Schakowsky of Illinois The Face On The Doughnut Hole.
My folks are already in "hole."
How about yours?
There are 75,000,000 Boomers; many of us are already coming on fast to "Senior" status.
We have a voice, if we use it.
Let your members of Congress know these doughnuts need dunkin' and tossin' out.
We need a decent health care plan in this country. It is a priority issue.
Go here, growl with the Grey Panthers. on important health care issues.
From MSNBC Wal-Mart cutting generic drug prices in Florida.
We will remember in November.
Elizabeth Edwards: Saving Graces. Remy Benoit
Next Tuesday, September 26, Elizabeth Edwards' Saving Graces. will be released by Broadway Publishers.
As the wife of John Edwards, Vice-Presidential Candidate in 2004, a former Navy wife, and a survivor of breast cancer, Mrs. Edwards has a great deal to tell you about courage, about community, and, indeed, about Saving Graces.
Pakistan and Iraq. Remy Benoit
From Reuters and MSNBC Musharraf: U.S. threatened to bomb Pakistan.
From CNN Deal on detainee treatment quells GOP revolt.
From the AP, Douglass K. Daniel, and MSNBC Torture in Iraq worse now than under Saddam?.
And from the AP and ABC News ABC News: Commerce Department Loses 1,137 Laptops.
Holy Days. Remy Benoit
Around the world Muslims and Jews begin the celebration and honoring of Holy Days. Perhaps this is a good time for all to reflect on cooperation and communication rather than mutual condemnation.
From The Washington Post, Caryle Murphy, and MSNBC Muslim convert observes Ramadan.
From Rabbi Marc Gellman and MSNBC A Rosh Hashana Wish.
Problem Areas?. Remy Benoit
From The New York Times, Edmund L. Andrews, and Truthout Suits Say US Impeded Audits for Oil Leases.
From Robert Kennedy Jr., Rolling Stone, and Truthout Will the Next Election Be Hacked?.
From the AP and MSNBC Bush aims to calm fray between two key allies
He’ll meet anti-terror partner Musharraf amid Afghan-Pakistan strains.
From the New York Times an Editorial at Truthout A Bad Bargain.
Where do we as citizens stand on this? It is a question to which we need to pay attention as it in part defines who we are.
Robert Kennedy Jr. On Voting. Remy Benoit
From Robert Kennedy Jr., Rolling Stone, and Truthout Will the Next Election Be Hacked?.
You need to read this.
Walls and Trenches for Baghdad?. Remy Benoit
From Newsweek, Rod Nordland, and MSNBC Berming Baghdad.
From Countdown and MSNBC Clinton: We must get back to thinking
Former President Bill Clinton sits down with 'Countdown's' Keith Olbermann.
From the AP and MSNBC U.S. fatalities in war equal those from Sept. 11
Military deaths in Iraq, Afghanistan reach 2,973.
PTSD and Geneva Accords. Remy Benoit
From the AP and Military.com More War Vets Suffering From Stress.
From Patrick McElwee, Just Foreign Policy, and Common Dreams The Power of Public Opinion.
From Reuters, Vicki Allen, and Truthout Democrats Wary of Detainee Trials Compromise.
The public voice must also keep up a constant demand for proper, longterm, and respectful treatment of our Veterans.
From Reuters, Randall Mikkellsen, and Truthout Bill Clinton Warns Against Torture Approval.
From Tom Paine and William Fisher Torture Exhibit A.
From the AP, Jennifer Loven, and Yahoo News Bush praises Afghan, Pakistani allies.
Down History Lane: Geneva Convention. Remy Benoit
With all the talk about the Conventions realting to Prisoners of War, perhaps it would do well to just read them. They speak for themselves, quite clearly.
A Treaty is a legally binding obligation.
From the University of Minnesota Human Rights Library.
Geneva Convention relative to the Treatment of Prisoners of War, 75 U.N.T.S. 135, entered into force Oct. 21, 1950.
FEMA Trailers New Orleans. Remy Benoit
Perhaps if Congress was working out of 8' x 30' FEMA trailers the membership just might be more active in getting things done and listening to a nation that is overwhelmingly expressing disapproval. There comes a time when each and everyone of us has to take a stand and that includes members of Congress.
Somehow we still don't seem to understand as a nation that if you make Veterans, you care for them properly, and with respect, when they come home. And you don't make Veterans wantonly.
We will remember in November.
President Hamid Karzai . Remy Benoit
Balances of Power. Remy Benoit
From the LA Times, Peer Wallsten, and Truthout Falwell Says Faithful Fear Clinton More Than Devil.
From the AP, Nedra Pickler, and ABC
Intel: War Has Worsened Terror Threat.
From the LA Times, an Editorial Two-Tiered Torture Standards.
Go Saints!!. Remy Benoit
From Nola.com and Jeff Duncan READY FOR KICKOFF Just one year after its near-demise, the Superdome emerges in better shape than before the storm.
New Orleans is coming back!
From Nola.com and Gwen Filosa N.O. neighborhood plans unveiled But total price tag exceeds $2 billion.
Not so much for a vital U.S. city and port. Compare that with the costs of war.
There are still thousands waiting to come home. Thousands in trailers. The holidays are coming in a time that is still difficult. Please keep in mind Second Harvest of Greater New Orleans and Acadian.
It is one year today since Rita followed Katrina here on the Gulf Coast.
The President and the Human Costs of War. Remy Benoit
From The Washington Post, Peter Baker, and MSNBC Bush keeps his war anguish hidden.
From the Baltimore Sun, Leonard Pitts Jr., and Common Dreams Powell Belatedly Joins Bid to Save Our Nation's Soul.
Today's CNN Poll. has 96% dissatisfaction with the role of Congress this year, so far.
From CNN Bill Clinton: I got closer to killing bin Laden.
From the AP and Military.com Iraqi Troops Hinder U.S. Efforts.
Staying in Iraq. Remy Benoit
From the AP and MSNBC U.S. Army extends 4,000 tours of duty in Iraq.
From the AP and CNN Democrats: Leaked intel shows U.S. needs new leadership.
Legislation Debates. Remy Benoit
From UPI and Shaun Waterman Analysis: Habeas may stymie torture deal.
From Joseph Dale Robertson HABEAS CORPUS THE MOST EXTRAORDINARY WRIT.
From ABC and Nedra Pickler
Specter Decries Detainee Bill Provision.
From Wikipedia Habeas Corpus.
U.S. Constitution Article I Section 9 Clause 2:
" The Privilege of the Writ of Habeas Corpus shall not be suspended, unless when in Cases of Rebellion or Invasion the public Safety may require it."
Retired Officers, the Army, and Mr. Rumsfeld. Remy Benoit
From the AP and Military.com Retired Officers Criticize Rumsfeld.
From The LA Times, Peter Spiegel, and Common Dreams Army Warns Rumsfeld It's Billions Short.
Calls to Disclose Intel Report. Remy Benoit
From the AP and MSNBC Disclose intelligence report, key lawmakers ask
Momentum builds after N.Y. Times report about classified document.
From CNN Poll: Terrorism, Iraq very important to midterm voters.
Also "heating up" is our planet! From ABC, Clayton Sandell and Bill Blakemore Earth Headed for Warmest Temps in a Million Years.
From ABC News, tonight, New Orleans remembers as the Superbowl hosts the Saints home game for the first time since Katrina. New Orleanians Remember Katrina.
The Saints Came Marching Home!!. Remy Benoit
What a glorious night for New Orleans!!
70,000+ were there to watch the Saints victory over the Falcons but more importantly to help get the heart of the city beating again.
I know many of you who are not from New Orleans have difficulty understanding why rebuilding the Superdome, why this home game, was so important.
A year ago the Superdome was a bowl of misery in a sea of a flooded city.
Last night the courage, the heart, the spirit that is New Orleans was glowing with intense light and heat.
As the commercials here say, "WE ARE LOUISIANA."
New Orleans is not only a vital port city, she is a unique gem and we love her.
Congratulations to the Saints. To the players on the Falcon team, your graciousness last night post-game was awesome to watch. Thank you!
From Nola.com and Jeff Duncan WHAT A SHOW! ELECTRIFYING SAINTS ROUT FALCONS; NOW 3-0.
Those of you still out there, come on home to New Orleans, she needs you!
Paul Reickhoff. Remy Benoit
From Paul Reickhoff and the IAVA New York Times: Executive Director Paul Rieckhoff on ush's Reinterpretation of Geneva Conventions.
Report /Pending Legislation. Remy Benoit
From the AP and MSNBC Intel report: Iraq a ‘cause célèbre’ for extremists
President says NIE leak was political, denies war has worsened terrorism.
From CNN NIE: Al Qaeda 'damaged,' becoming more scattered.
From Inside Defense.com and Military.com Cost of War: $550 Billion and Counting.
From Senator Patrick Leahy and Tom Paine Showdown Over Habeas.
From Truthout Letter From Intelligence and Military Professionals on Use of Torture.
From Newsweek, Pat Wingert, and MSNBC ‘Letting Students Down’ A new study finds that even top undergraduates are woefully ignorant of history and civic government.
If our students do not know their own history, how can we possibly expect them to function as voters when the problems are of international and global concern? I have, for decades, be cautioning the negative results that would come from "Social Studies," from "feel good history." We need to teach our students real history, world cultures, law, philosophy, literature, art, music, and yes, ecology too.
An informed citizenry is absolutely necessary to a well functioning democracy.
I highly suggest consideration of the thoughts in this book. The Battle for Peace by Tony Zinni and Tony Koltz.
As they used to say in the kids' reading program - Book It. It is amazing what you can learn when you study.
Fear, Distrust, Violence. Remy Benoit
From The Washington Post, Sudarsan Raghavan, and MSNBC Distrust divides Iraqi neighbors
In mixed neighborhood, violence defies peaces efforts.
From CNN Musharraf: Iraq war makes world more dangerous.
From the AP, The Houston Chronicle, and Katherine Shrader Terror analysis fuels Iraq war debate.
Supper with President Bush and More. Remy Benoit
From the AP and the Arizona Daily Star U.S. is with you, Bush tells Karzai.
From CNN Saudis plan fence to block Iraq's terrorists.
From The Washington Post, Amit R. Paley, and MSNBC Polls: Most Iraqis favor U.S. withdrawal Nearly three-quarters say they’d feel safer if U.S., other forces left.
From the AP, Andrew Taylor, and Truthout House OKs $70 Billion for Iraq, Afghanistan.
From Reuters and Truthout House Passes Bush's Interrogation Bill.
From The LA Times, Thomas Mann and Norman Ornstein, and Truthout Our Pathetic Congress.
Some Construction Problems?. Remy Benoit
From The Washington Post, Amit R. Paley, and MSNBC Heralded Iraq police academy a 'disaster'.
From Ivan Eland and Military.com Clouding Intelligence Analysis.
From Reuters AlertNet and Human Rights Watch Afghanistan: Bush, Karzai, Musharraf Must Act Now To Stop Militant Abuses.
From the AP, Military.com, and Veterans for America VA Underestimates Care Costs of Iraq and Afghanistan Wars.
Detainee Bill Passes. Remy Benoit
From the AP and MSNBC Senate passes bill on terror detainee trials.
House Approval. Remy Benoit
From the AP and MSNBC House approves wiretap law.
West Point 9/11 Class Loss. Remy Benoit
From Time, Nathan Thornburgh, and CNN A Death in the Class of 9/11.
Bob Woodward: State of Denial. Remy Benoit
From The Washington Post, William Hamilton, and MSNBC Book says aide urged Bush to fire Rumsfeld.
From Newsweek, Richard Wolffe, and MSNBC The Bob Woodward Effect.
Sunday, October 1. Remy Benoit
From the AP, Anne Plummer, Flaherty, and Yahoo News Congress sends Bush terror tribunal bill.
From the AP and MSNBC NATO to manage U.S. troops in Afghanistan.
From Newsweek and MSNBC State of Denial Excerpts. State of Denial: Bust at War Part III.
From CNN Deadly bomb shakes Baghdad after curfew ends.
We need to be aware that the United States is in the process of losing 25% of nation's coastal wetlands here in Louisiana. For the whole, heartbreaking story, please, for the welfare of the whole country, read Bayou Farewell: The Rich Life and Tragic Death of Louisiana's Cajun Coast. This is a MUST read for everyone interested in the preservation of our environment. When you have read it, write, call, e-mail your Senators and Representatives as to what needs to be done to preserve these wetlands. Thanks so much!
VFA's Garret Reppenhagen Speaks on PTSD. Remy Benoit
From Veterans for America VFA's Garret Reppenhagen Speaks on PTSD.
Edward Tick: War and the Soul.
Job Searches for Veterans. Remy Benoit
From Military.com The Largest Veteran Job Board in the World.
PTSD and Iraq Veterans. Remy Benoit
From U.S. News and World Report, Betsey Streisand, and Veterans for America Thousands of soldiers have post-traumatic stress disorder. Will they get the help they need?.
Reactions to Woodward's State of Denial. Remy Benoit
From NBC, Andrea Mitchell, and MSNBC White House fighting claims in 'State of Denial'
But admissions also surface that book's claims are true.
From The Washington Post, Dan Eggen, Robin Wright, and the San Francisco Chronicle Ex-CIA chief told panel he warned Rice of al Qaeda threat.
From the AP, Deb Riechmann, and Yahoo News Bush says Democrats shouldn't be trusted.
From CNN Hastert ignores call to resign amid Foley fallout.
From Fox News 9 U.S. Soldiers Killed in Attacks Around Baghdad in Two Days.
From Fox News and James Rosen Rice Offered to Resign Following Bush's 2004 Re-Election.
From the AP, Lolita C. Baldor, and SF Gate Rumsfeld Says He Won't Resign.
Karen De Young: Soldier: The Life of Colin Powell.
Bob Woodward: State of Denial.
Tony Zinni: The Battle for Peace.
Douglas Brinkley: The Deluge: Hurricane Katrina, New Orleans, and the Mississippi Gulf Coast.
Just in case you need one...... Remy Benoit
Everyday we are besieged with negatives but there are nice things out there. It is said that to be healthy, we need ten hugs a day. Well, from youtube.com here 'ya go! Free Hugs.
60th Anniversary PVA. Remy Benoit
Paralyzed Veterans of America.
Don't forget them, they went to protect you.
Women Soldiers Dying in Iraq. Remy Benoit
From MSNBC and David Gregory Women fight from the front in war on terror
They're banned from ground combat, but still dying in record numbers.
Frist and Afghanistan. Remy Benoit
From the AP, Nancy Zuckerbrod, and Yahoo News Democrats assail Frist's Afghan comments.
When Naming Your Baby Takes on a Whole New Meaning. Remy Benoit
From NBC's Blogging Baghdad and Jane Arraf Naming a baby Ali or Omar? It Matters.
From the AP and Military.com Iraq Violence Leaves at Least 51 Dead.
From Military.com Bill Would Boost Guard and Reserve Benefits.
Ahmadinejad Opens Nuclear Facilities to Foreign Tourists. Remy Benoit
From the AP and CNN Iran opens nuke plants to tourists.
Afghanistan 5 Years In. Remy Benoit
From NBC, Jim Miklaszewski, and MSNBC U.S. is at critical crossroads in Afghanistan.
Iraq. Remy Benoit
From the AP, Sameer N. Yacoub, and Truthout Iraqi Police Unit Linked to Militias.At least 17 Soldiers have died since Saturday, including 8 U.S. Troops.
13 U.S. Troops Died in Baghdad Since Monday. Remy Benoit
From The Washington Post, Amit R. Paley, and MSNBC 13 U.S. troops killed in Baghdad in last 3 days.
We don't see them come home but we feel the impact of their loss.
U.S. Says No to N. Korean Nukes. Remy Benoit
From CNN Blunt U.S. warning to North Korea.
From Yahoo News Moscow to try prevent N.Korea nuke test.
Signing Statement, Baghdad, and More. Remy Benoit
From the AP and MSNBC President asserts power to edit privacy reports.
From the AP and MSNBC Battle for Baghdad ‘a critical point’ in the war.
From the AP and Military.com NATO Takes Over in Afghanistan.
From the AP and Fox News High-Level Meeting in London Expected to Refer Iran to U.N. Over Nukes.
Afghanistan. Remy Benoit
From MSNBC and Jack Jacobs In a fake country, still real problems for the U.S..
From MSNBC and Kerry Sanders A challenging journey is nowhere near finished.
Legislative Wrap-Up. Remy Benoit
From Veterans for America
109th Congress Legislative Wrap-Up.
There are very important issues here like treatment for brain trauma. Please learn what this is all about and let your voice be heard.
Remnants of Lives. Remy Benoit
From The Washington Post, Josh White, and MSNBC Picking up the pieces of slain troops' lives.
This is a very graphic piece bringing home to us, once again, that these remnants were once the belongings of those we loved gone off to war.
From MSNBC Soldiers question when Iraqis will take the lead.
Perhaps the media should be spending more time seeking an answer to their question.
For a Marine's eye view of Iraq day to day, from a Marine and Time A Letter from Iraq.
The View on Iraq from U.K. Home Secretary Blunkett. Remy Benoit
From Reuters and MSNBC U.K. tried to curb U.S. on Iraq, ex-minister says
Blunkett: Britain was incapable of stopping war plans by Cheney, Rumsfeld.
Sunday Morning. Remy Benoit
It is Sunday morning and a long weekend with the Columbus Day holiday.
Once upon a time, a long time, but not so very long ago, in another troubled time with our troops on the line, Gene Roddenberry took us Where no one had gone before.
In a situation that seemed untenable, unmanageable, and without solution, the ever energetic, and optimistic Captain James T. Kirk solved the impossible situation of the Kobayashi Maru.
by “thinking outside of the box.”
He changed the variables, solved the problems.
We, on the other hand, seem to refuse to get out of the groove. Watching, listening, to the news coverage, such as it is, is like being trapped on an old record that just can’t seem to go on.
We need to think outside the box, because we have BIG BIG problems with which to deal. I recall an episode of Star Trek where Bones said, and I am paraphrasing here, ‘Jim, you do what you always do; you bring life out of death.’
We need to think of life, of light, of progress instead of stagnation, fear, name calling, and sheer willful stubbornness. We cannot go on with the ‘them’ and ‘us’ kind of thinking. Congress is there to serve us, not themselves, not any one person, or ideology.
It is vital to the interests of the US that they remember that, stop bickering, stop pork barrrelling, and serve US.
Instead, to date:
We have been barraged with scandal from D.C. the circumstances of which should have
been tended to a long, long time ago and never let to continue. From The Miami Herald and Carl Hiassen Foley contrite, but only after he got caught.
Meanwhile, the numbers of casualties in Iraq continue to grow, both wounded and killed, military and civilian. From The Washington Post, Anne Scott Tyson and MSNBC American casualties in Iraq rise sharply
Growing U.S. role in staving off civil war leads to most wounded since 2004.
You can help them, help their familes. Operation Home Front. I know it is hard to understand how many we are losing in Iraq, in Afghanistan, when we do not see them come home this time, but we are losing them. Get that.
Partisan politics, fear politics, rule the day. Also from The Washington Post, Peter Baker, and MSNBC The return of the grim speaker
Cheney is back with doom speech casting Democrats as danger to security.
Yesterday I was doing the errands. The stores are stocked for Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. People went about their normal business, examining this and that ornament, decoration, etc. for the coming holidays. And yet, there are so many problems, one of which that they may face if they try to get home for the holidays. From Paperchase and Jurist GAO report highlights terrorism watch list errors.
North Korea, Iran, and Georgia, are on the list of situations to watch critically.
From the AP and CNN NK 'may drop test if U.S. holds talks'.
From Newsweek, Anatol Lieven, and MSNBC War in the Caucasus?
The dispute between Georgia and Russia has all the makings of a tragic conflict..
From Forbes and AFX News Limited Iran backs OPEC moves for production cut – report.
While those things are all there to ponder, here we are, well over a year since the devastation of Katrina, and a great American city still has HUGE problems. From the New York Times, Adam Nossiter, and Truthout New Orleans Population Is Reduced Nearly 60%.
So, like any other time, we need to choose.
It will soon be time to hang stockings on the mantle. Do we want the proverbial 'you didn’t do well' chunk of coal in our stocking, or do we want prosperity, compassion, solutions to difficult problems, and the bringing of life over death to all the world.
Columbus Day. Yes, he had an attitude problem, yes, he did many things with cruelty, lack of vision, definite lack of compassion. But, he had a dream. He did not sit in his bathtub murmuring ‘poor me, I have nuthin’ with which to fulfill my dream.’ He got himself three scrawny boats, crossed the ocean-sea, and found a New World that he could not even begin to understand the potential of.
Now it is up to us to live up to that potential.
You can start here and tell Congress to show some gratitude by way of health care
Take Action Slashing Traumatic Brain Injury Funding.
Then try this one. Native American Veterans Cemetery Act.
Don’t say "I am only one person." Say "I am a person with a vote, a voice, a telephone, e-mail, snail mail, and I will be heard."
Your country, your troops, THE WORLD NEEDS YOU.
WE WILL REMEMBER IN NOVEMBER!
You may comment here, and/or express your views at Welcome Home Soldier's sister site The Niquahanam Project: Help to Heal the World.
If you would like to help support this site, please, just click on Donate and do the Pay Pal thing.
Blessings,
Miz' Remy
Nuclear Test. Remy Benoit
From MSNBC U.N. council rebukes N. Korea over nuke claim.
Many of us grew up constantly going through drill scenarios, taking our woolen coats from pegs in cloak rooms and going to sit under them in hallways
wondering if 'the big one' was on its way.
It is a rotten way to grow up.
Isn't it time we went beyond this scenario?
We know what they can do. Why don't we get that?
Some of you may be watching this CBS show Jericho.
that depicts the day that everything changes.
Perhaps we need those reminders.
Trident Ploughshares Anti-nuclear groups sign ’Helensburgh Treaty’.
We have been given guardianship of something very precious, our planet. We, again, need to think outside the traditional box to fulfill that guardianship.
Down History Lane:
Dwight D. Eisenhower December 8, 1953 Atoms for Peace.
Dr. Strangelove or How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb. This is a classic that the new generation should not miss!
And READ, DO READ this vintage book.
Pat Frank: Alas, Babylon.
Perhaps this book Nevil Shute: On the Beach. is one of the 'whys' of this Nuclear Free Australia.
Helen Caldicott.
Problem Area. Remy Benoit
From The Washington Post, Glenn Kessler and Peter Baker, and MSNBC ‘Axis of evil’ comes back to haunt U.S. Bush White House has reached crisis point with N. Korea, Iran and Iraq.
From Cleveland and The Plain Dealer N. Korea goes nuclear. It's late, but not too late, to stir some rationality and restraint via targeted sanctions and talking sense to the North Koreans.
From the AP and MSNBC U.S. won't hold direct talks with North Korea
Pyongyang threatens more nuclear tests even amid world condemnation. When we were in school, weren't we always told that if there was a problem we should 'talk it out?'
From the AP and MSNBC Another 60 bodies found on Baghdad’s streets
Bullet-riddled bodies apparently latest victims of sectarian death squads.
From the AP, Liz Sidoti, and The Seattle Post-Intelligencer Democrats assail Bush's N. Korea policy.
And From Truthout's Managing Editor, Scott Galindez, an Editorial
All Nine Nuclear Powers Are Violating Non-Proliferation Treaty.
Navy Officer Has to Retire. Remy Benoit
From the AP and Common Dreams Paper: Detainee Lawyer Must Leave Navy.
As the daughter of a Navy Medic, as an American, thank you for your service, Lt. Cmdr. Charles Swift.
What They Are Saying. Remy Benoit
From the AP and CNN Disputed study claims 655,000 Iraqi deaths.
From the LA Times and Bruce Wallace United in Their Protests, Not Their Politics.
From the AP and MSNBC McCain criticizes Bill Clinton on North Korea.
From CNN N. Korea sees U.S. pressure as 'act of war'.
What They Are Saying. Remy Benoit
From the AP and CNN Disputed study claims 655,000 Iraqi deaths.
From the LA Times and Bruce Wallace United in Their Protests, Not Their Politics.
From the AP and MSNBC McCain criticizes Bill Clinton on North Korea.
From CNN N. Korea sees U.S. pressure as 'act of war'.
Press Conference. Remy Benoit
From MSNBC Bush calls North Korea nuclear test a ‘threat’.
Perhaps instead of speaking about North Korea, we need to, as the UN suggests, as well as many other countries, we need to speak with Korea. Third hand conversations always lose much, especially in translation. We have a Secretary of State, we have a diplomatic corps.
David Kuo "Tempting Faith". Remy Benoit
From MSNBC and Jonathan Larsen Exclusive: Book says Bush just using Christians.
All Kinds of Questions. Remy Benoit
From The New York Times, Scott Shane, and Truthout Data Suggests Vast Costs Loom in Disability Claims.
From The New York Times, Jimmy Carter, and Truthout Solving the Korean Stalemate, One Step at a Time.
From The Washington Post, Dana Milbank, and MSNBC Bush couches bad news around small talk.
From CNN U.S. to propose NK sanctions.
From the AP, Robert Burns, and ABC Army: Troops to Stay in Iraq Until 2010.
From Fox News and Susan Estrich Godless Meets Soulless in the Coulter Culture.
From the AP and CBS Economists Group: Boost Minimum Wage.
From the AP and Military.com Bomb Blasts Injure 19 in Afghanistan.
From the AP and Military.com Iraq Death Toll Study has Mixed Reaction.
From DefenseTech.org Bush: Space is for Soldiers.
Ron Kovic: Breaking the Silence of the Night. Remy Benoit
From Ron Kovic Common Dreams and Truthdig Breaking the Silence of the Night.
Read Ron Kovic's New Introduction to Born on the 4th of July re-released by Akashic Books.
My Hero Project: Peacemaker Ron Kovic.
Akashic Books: Born on the 4th of July.
Video: Born on the 4th of July.
If you do not yet know Ron Kovic's story, it is time you do.
More American Voices. Remy Benoit
From Newsweek, Richard Wolffe and Holly Bailey, and MSNBC 2nd-Term Blues.
From The New York Times and Jimmy Carter Solving the Korean Stalemate, One Step at a Time.
From MSNBC and Truthout Why Does Habeas Corpus Hate America By Keith Olbermann.
44 Troops KIA in October in Iraq. Remy Benoit
From MSNBC U.S. casualties surge amid worsening violence.
British Army Chief Calls for Pullout from Iraq. Remy Benoit
From CNN British Army chief calls for Iraq pullout.
More Abramoff Ties. Remy Benoit
From The Washington Post, James V. Grimaldi and Susan Schmidt, and MSNBC Report says nonprofits sold clout to Abramoff.
Injuries Sustained in Iraq and Afghanistan. Remy Benoit
From Veterans for America, Democracy Now, Amy Goodman, Juan Gonzalez, and Paul Sullivan Figures Showing 1 in 4 US Veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan Disabled From Service?.
Ney Pleads Guilty and More. Remy Benoit
From the AP and MSNBC Rep. Ney pleads guilty in lobbying scandal.
From First Read and MSNBC Abramoff to Prison Next Month.
From the LA Times and Peter Wallsten Book: Bush Aides Called Evangelicals 'Nuts'.
From The Chicago Sun-Times and Dave Newbart Bush: I am proud to be standing with Hastert.
From USA Today Opinionline North Korea puts U.N. to the test.
From the LA Times and Ricardo Alonso-Zaldivar Medicare Drug Premiums Will Rise for Many.
Wake UP America, Your Veterans Need You. Remy Benoit
From the AP and Military.com Beefcake Calendar Helps Wounded Vets.
What does this say of us that our Marines have to do this to help their brothers and sisters?
How can we make Veterans and not care for them when they come home?
Ask your Representatives and Senators that question.
Please.
Ask yourself that question and then contact those who vote on this for you, for your daughters, sons, wives, and husbands in harm's way.
Ask yourself the question, and then make the call.
Stand up for our Veterans. Be there for them - NOW.
Where Things Are This Morning. Remy Benoit
From The Washington Post, Michael Abramowitz, and MSNBC White House upbeat about GOP prospects
Self-assurance of Rove, Bush and others is not shared by many in party.
From the AP and MSNBC 26 Sunnis killed in Iraq sectarian attacks
U.S. military reports the deaths of one Marine, four soldiers.
From Time, J.F.O. McAllister, Sally B. Donnelly, and CNN A Revolt of the Generals?
A top British commander speaks candidly about the grim outlook in Iraq. But will his more reticent American peers follow his lead?.
From the BBC, Pam O'Toole, and Truthout Iraqis "Fleeing Rising Violence".
From the AP and MSNBC Enforcement of U.N. sanctions could be difficult
Despite resolution’s approval, crucial divisions over North Korea linger.
From ABC News Ban Ki-Moon: Rice Should Talk with North Korea.
From CBS News Surge Of Violent Clashes In Afghanistan
NATO Soldiers Killed In Ambush; Photographer And Assistant Kidnapped.
Paul Sullivan on Care of Our Veterans. Remy Benoit
From Veterans for America Veterans For America's Paul Sullivan on CNN.
With approximately 200,000 recent war Veterans, and those from previous wars, will we be prepared to provide for them?
Only if YOU insist we do.
Please, do that NOW.
Earthquake in Hawaii. Remy Benoit
From the Hawaii Reporter
Hawaii Rocked by 6.5 Earthquake.
From The San Francisco Chronicle and Cecelia M. Vega Paradise rocked -- Hawaii jolted by 6.6 earthquake
Temblor, 40 aftershocks cause landslides and power failures -- governor declares disaster.
From CNN Hawaii resident: 'Our whole house was rocking'.
Once again our people face a major hit from nature.
Once again, we need to help each other.
FEMA representatives were on the way on Sunday. No comment on that. Perhaps it will go better in that area this time.
Powell. Remy Benoit
From Truthout and Gary Kamiya A Closer Look at Colin Powell: The Evil of Banality.
From Answers.com Powell Doctrine.
Karen De Young: Soldier.
An Interview with Jerry Wennstrom. Remy Benoit
Jerry Wennstrom is an astonishing man as well as an extremely talented artist. All of us can learn from the path that Jerry has chosen for his life and work.
From Mythic Imagination Institute Brenda Sutton Interview with Jerry Wennstrom: Follow Your Path.
Privacy Lost - Concerned but Little Action. Remy Benoit
From MSNBC and Bob Sullivan On privacy, talk and actions are poles apart.
We are "concerned" about many things; our Veterans, our schools, minimum wage,the cost of housing, groceries, gas, heating fuel, security, poverty, abuse in all its forms, our children, our Constitution. The list is quite long.
And yet, so many do nothing but express concern over dinner.
In a democracy we have the right, indeed, the obligation to do something.
The Internet Belongs to Us, NOT Corporate America. Remy Benoit
From Tom Paine, Bill Moyers and Scott Fogdall Against An Imperial Internet.
Again, now is the time to speak up for your rights!
Bush Signs Detainee Bill. Remy Benoit
From the AP and MSNBC Bush terror bill signing a major victory
'High-value' suspects could face trial in next few months.
U.S> Troops Back in Balad. Remy Benoit
From the AP and MSNBC U.S. forces return to help Iraqis stem violence
Troops back in Balad after spate of killings; Iraqi gov’t fires thousands.
9 Troops Die in Iraq. Remy Benoit
From the AP and MSNBC U.S. military says 9 troops killed in Iraq
4 soldiers killed in single incident; more than 60 GIs killed so far this month.
From The Washington Post, Peter Baker and Michael A. Fletcher, and MSNBC Elections could leave Bush lame duck
Advisers bracing for possible shift in balance of power.
From CNN and Joshua Levs Iraq reality check: The cost in lives lost.
From the AP and Military.com Bush Approves Military Pay Raise.
From Proceedings, Secretary of the Navy Lehman, and Military.com Five Years Later: Are We Any Safer?.
From Truthdig, Molly Ivins, and Common Dreams Iraq Follows Vietnam Model.
Numbers Growing. Remy Benoit
From AP and MSNBC 10 U.S. troops killed during one day in Iraq
4 GIs killed in single incident; with 69 slain, October on pace for grim record.
We need to continue asking what is being done to end this? Once upon a time we asked loud and clear; we seem to be voiceless now and I wonder why?
Reserve Marines Going Back to Iraq. Remy Benoit
From the AP and MSNBC Marines to send reserve battalions back to Iraq
Rumsfeld OKs unannounced plan to recall forces for second tours of duty.
Eleven. Remy Benoit
From The San Jose Mercury News and Nancy A. Youssef 11 more U.S. troops reported killed in Iraq.
American Dream?. Remy Benoit
From CNN and its readers Your e-mails: Chasing the American dream.
And how far does the dream go? From Times Online UK and Bronwen Maddox America wants it all - life, the Universe and everything.
Not treating the MS wetlands with respect. Remy Benoit
From MSNBC and Mike Stuckey Army Corps proposes easing Gulf wetlands rule
Anger greets plan to let developers skip permits to speed Katrina recovery.
What is it that we don't get with caring for the wetlands?
How long can we go on just lining pockets rather than protecting our environment?
If we think today only of today and not tomorrow, we will have no tomorrow.
This is a book people need to read Mike Tidwell: Bayou Farewell: The Rich Life and Tragic Death of Louisiana's Cajun Coast.
We are caretakers of the planet; we truly need to take that role seriously.
Violence grows in Iraq. Remy Benoit
From The Washington Post, Sudarsan Raghavan, and MSNBC Iraq militias splintering into radicalized cells
New groups appear more ruthless in use of violence.
It is always interesting to read about how things are viewed in a variety of states. As my Granny was born in Butte, Montana, way back in 1895, I keep an eye on what is being said there. Governor Brian Schweitzer is a very interesting man.
From Rolling Stone and Tim Dickinson, a little ways Down History Lane, Schweitzer on Iraq.
If you don't know much about the history of Montana, well, let's start here in Butte Butte's Far Eastern Influences by George Everett.
How about the Butte connection with a West Point man named Bradley? The Captain Who Fought World War I in Butte, Montana.
I miss you Granny! This one is for you, Marion Eva Domenica Benoit
I enter the house through the vestibule adjoining a sun porch whose filtered rays have not warmed anyone since I was a child.
The faded, old, flower print sofa still rests there with its sagging cushions and pillows casually tossed, when?
Leaving its light behind, I step inside the door to the darkness of heavy furniture in a drape shrouded living room that serves as a formal antechamber to Grandmother's apartment. My fingers run across the surface of the harsh horsehair sofa and pick up images of my cousin and I sitting, one on each end, young feet not reaching the floor, not allowed to cross the middle line, told to behave properly. The shadowed light falls on the silver and amber cordial set on the server; the cordial set that now rests in my china closet.
I choose not the banistered steps that lead up to the second and third floors but open instead the heavily draped French doors that lead to her bedroom. Two dressers, a heavy mahogany bed, towering mirrored armoire, and triptych silvered dressing table crowd the room. There are no signs of the man who once shared it. Every surface is covered with female trappings of feathers, hats, letters, jewelry, gloves.
Grandmother sits, her back slightly bent with her 63 years, at her dressing table. She is unaware of my presence. The air is sweet, heavy with her fragrance, tied to the inseparable aroma of coffee simmering two rooms away. I have never known a time when that pot, filled with grounds, egg shells and salt, wasn't simmering. There is complete silence in the room and time is suspended as I look beyond Eva to the top of her dressing
table. There rest fancy glass perfume bottles, jars of guaranteed freckle vanishing creams, and an ordinary kitchen glass filled with water. A long, rat-tailed comb sits in the water. Hairpins of various shapes are scattered amidst lipsticks, rouges, and a pink powder puff in a round box of loose facial powder.
The rising and falling of my breathing is the only movement in the room until the left side of the dressing mirror shimmers and fills the room with light. The Eva who is sitting there now is in the full bloom of young womanhood, golden red hair cascading down a straight back. I follow those gray, sparkling eyes to where they see a young woman who left behind a youth spent helping to raise five brothers and sisters. I see the girl's brief flirtation with the escape of becoming a nun. There is the promise of love for a tall dark-haired man; she the chambermaid, he the million dollar bell-hop sporting spats and a walking stick. They come together for a little while, joined in need for experiences, for adventure; joined in marriage. I feel the pain of them torn apart by his obsession with gambling.
Eva's eyes move, this time to the center mirror, the light dimming a little, her hair done up in a crown of rat supported curls. Divorced now, traveling with her daughter, a touring actress, she is doing Uncle Tom's Cabin. A box of Valentine chocolates follows her from post box to post box, arriving, cracked and dried. Her touring company folds, her shoulders curve forward a little. The light grows dimmer.
I watch her walk into an Iowa restaurant, holding in her hand a sign that reads Waitress Wanted. She needs the job. The Armenian widower behind the gleaming glass counter, standing in front of rows of sparkling glasses, is smitten with her luxurious hair, her sparkling gray eyes, her intensity. She takes the job, his heart, and his hand in marriage.
He sells his restaurants. Together they back plays that fold in the night like gypsy camps.
Her acting is now to fit herself into a new role in a new place.
They come to Philadelphia in an old red truck with a daughter, a big German Shepard dog, and a yellow canary. There is no money for even one more gallon of gas. Odd jobs, a down payment borrowed from a sister, puts them in a three story house, with servant stairs.
This house.
I watch her run this boarding house for twenty-five years. This bedroom becomes her refuge, her tomb. Her back bends more, the grey eyes loose their light, become somber and dark.
They move beyond the vanity, past the chenille spread on the bed, to the dark armoire. Inside one of its open doors hangs an old rose boa and a new pastel, silk robe.
Eva turns and sees me.
We leave the bedroom, walk through her sitting room and sit down at the table in the kitchen.
This is her stage. Here she entertains, her right leg bouncing to keep her circulation going.
The coffee pot gurgles. On the table sits an oversized sugar bowl. Her insulin is in the refrigerator.
Eva hums, mixing Beautiful Dreamer. and The Prison Song.. I gaze out the only uncovered window at the pansies that grow in profusion, the only flowers that grew within miles of her birthplace in Butte, Montana.
I am fifteen when Eva dies. That was forty-five years ago. The house has long been sold, with the armoire. The dressing table is gone, as are her travel diaries, the silk robe, the boa.
But there is that one day, just before her show moves on for its final curtain, when she looks at me and says, I am going to buy a trailer, go out West to look for those spats, that walking stick.
She holds my eyes across the table, grins, says Never say never, and pours another cup of coffee, no sugar.
Those are words I taught my children. Eva had a few other truisms she taught me. I have passed them on also. When whatever is too much, walk away from it for awhile, and Never burn bridges. These ideas would work well in governance and foreign policy as well as in private life.
We all have stories; please do share some of yours with us.
Blessings,
Miz' Remy
White House Says No to Partition. Remy Benoit
From the AP and MSNBC White House rejects proposal to partition Iraq.
From the AP and Military.com Gloomy Assessment of Baghdad Op.
From the New York Times, Adam Nagourney and Jim Rutenberg, and Common Dreams Tables Turned for the G.O.P. Over Iraq Issue.
War has always been a "politcal issue." Yet people are dying, being permanently injured in mind, body, spirit. That is not an election issue. That is a human issue.
Yesterday it was reported that 11 U.S. troops died. 11 is a number. Troops are not numbers, but like Iraqi civilians are people with lives that end abruptly and cruelly.
The Congress gave clearance for this endeavor. The responsibility is shared. Politicking is not the answer. The search for an answer is the problem that should be being addressed.
Tell us what your answers are rather than name calling each other.
Lives are at stake in war. We need to remember that at the ballot box, not who had the brightest smile and ease with vapid words.
Coming Home. Remy Benoit
From CNN Legendary pilot 'Earthquake McGoon' heads home.
North Korea. Remy Benoit
Iraq. Remy Benoit
From MSNBC and Christian Caryl Back to Baghdad As a correspondent discovers after a long absence from Iraq, a lot of things have changed—few for the better.
From the AP and Military.com US to Rethink Baghdad Peace Efforts.
From the AP and Military.com Military Propaganda Program Legal.
From The Cleveland Plain Dealer, Elizabeth Sullivan, and Common Dreams an Opinion Piece Vietnam & Iraq: Another 'Bright Shining Lie'.
From the AP and MSNBC Bush to consult generals about Iraq strategy
‘We are constantly adjusting tactics,’ president says.
Iraq. Remy Benoit
There are several perspectives below; somewhere within, some of a truth lies. Yet, responsibility lies in Congress too; it also lies with all of us who seem to so love war. It repels, it fascinates us. We go to it much too willingly without demanding of ourselves that we understand it.
Chris Hedges: War Is a Force that Gives Us Meaning.
Fault lies in classrooms where "feel good" social studies is taught without depth, without real analysis, without real history.
Fault lies where history, art, culture, languages are eliminated from classrooms; subjects that could show our similarities rather than differences. These are subjects that can build rather than burn bridges.
Fault lies in the "them or us" duality mentality.
Fault lies in avarice, ambition, and our praising those rather than compassion and mutual concerns.
Fault lies in the refusal to believe that leaders lie to their people all around the world.
Fault lies in not caring for our planet; in not demanding alternate energy sources.
Fault lies in not demanding a liveable minimum wage; in not demanding that no one, fellow countrymen included, that no one goes to bed hungry.
Fault lies in not demanding a respectable national health/prescription insurance program. Fault lies in not demanding to know why there are problems with providing flu vaccine.
Fault lies in silence, in not speaking up, in not being an active participant in our democracy. Silence is compliance.
Fault lies in saying, "I am just one woman, just one man, what can I do?"
Fault lies in not watch dogging elections and the machines thereof.
Fault lies in not demanding of the mass media real, hard, detailed, balanced news instead of what celebrity did what to whom.
Fault lies in accepting war and poverty as givens.
Fault lies in making Veterans by the thousands and not caring for them.
Fault lies in killing each other, nationally and internationally, in the name of a Creator.
Fault lies in developers wanting to by-pass wetlands reconstruction and finding engineering complicity to bend to their desires.
Fault lies in a compliant citizenry accepting a do nothing Congress.
There is more than enough fault to share.
If we will not speak for ourselves, how can we help speak for others. If we cannot speak with others, how can we find a better way than constant war?
From Reuters and MSNBC U.S. reportedly has Iraq security timetable
White House denies Times’ report, says no firm dates for Iraqi progress.
From The New York Times and Truthout, an Editorial Blowing in the Wind.
From CNN Diplomat: U.S. arrogant, stupid in Iraq.
From Joe Galloway and Military.com No Reality From Administration.
From Reuters and MSNBC Iraq death toll report defended by researchers
Group: Estimate of up to 794,000 civilian deaths based on sound methods.
From The Times Union, Albany, NY, and Marie Cocco Principled Resignation Carries Weight Would history be different if Powell had stood tall and walked out?.
From Truthdig, Kevin Tillman, and Common Dreams After Pat’s Birthday
Kevin Tillman Honors Late Brother's Birthday with Plea to Speak up for Democracy.
From Time Magazine, Tony Karon, and Truthout No, Iraq Is Not Vietnam.
From MSNBC, Keith Olbermann on Countdown, and Truthout Olbermann Addresses the Military Commissions Act in a Special Comment.
To date, 21,077 WIA; 2,788 American KIA in Iraq; 340 American KIA in Afghanistan, 988 WIA;
These are their faces: Forces: U.S. & Coalition/Casualties. Enduring Freedom Casualties.
Your comments are welcome.
Your donations will help keep this site going.
Iraq. Remy Benoit
From the AP and MSNBC U.S. diplomat apologizes for remarks.
From AP and MSNBC At least 44 Iraqis die in Sunday violence
Militants target holiday shoppers; U.S. death toll in October climbs to 83.
From Reuters and CNN Bush chides father for election remarks.
From the AP and CNN Bush to shift message to healthy economy.
From The Baltimore Sun, Adil E. Shamoo, and Common Dreams What Has Invasion Unleashed in Iraqis?.
An Editorial from The Atlanta Journal-Cosntitution and Jay Bookman It's Time to Face Harsh Reality in Iraq.
From The Washington Post, Ellen Knickmeyer, and MSNBC In Balad, ties were 'destroyed in a second'
Sectarian battles drive out Sunnis as extremists gather influence.
This morning, 10/23/06 the number of U.S. Troops killed in October is 86. That is just about equivalent to three classrooms of students.
Inside Gitmo. Remy Benoit
From MSNBC and Bill Dedman Investigative Reporter Gitmo interrogations spark battle over tactics
The inside story of criminal investigators who tried to stop abuse.
Review: Flags of Our Fathers. Remy Benoit
From The Chicago Sun Times and Richard Roeper Grand old 'Flags' Eastwood's World War II masterpiece is far more than a war movie.
Rules of Engagement. Remy Benoit
From Vanity Fair and William Langewiesche Rules of Engagement.
This is not a pleasant story, but then war is not a nice stroll in the woods. Perhaps this should be read by "walking a few miles" in their boots.
Perhaps we must give more consideration before engaging in war to know what is ahead.
Be advised that this article contains some strong language.
Your comments are welcome.
Politics. Remy Benoit
From the AP, Tom Raum and Yahoo News AP News Analysis: GOP fears war fallout.
From MSNBC and Mike Taibbi Iraq war sentiment peppered with pessimism
Even in true-red states, the war in Iraq is getting more and more unpopular.
Troubled Veterans. Remy Benoit
From the Sun Herald, Walt Philbin Newhouse News Service Troubled veterans surge to centers But French Quarter suicide just the start of a grisly tale of murder, mutilation.
Iraq. Remy Benoit
From CNN and John Roberts Routine mission turns into hunt for missing comrade.
From the AP and MSNBC U.S. soldier missing in Baghdad
Military official says translator may have been abducted.
From The Seattle Times "Iraq Notebook" Bush drops phrase "stay the course".
From CNN U.S. envoy: 'Success in Iraq is possible'.
From The Independent UK, Patrick Cockburn, and Common Dreams The Exodus: 1.6m Iraqis have Fled Their Country Since the War.
From The Observer, UK, Peter Beaumont, Edward Helmore and Gaby Hinsliff, and Common Dreams How Iraq Came Home to Haunt America.
From Just Foreign Policy Perpetual War for peace? Tour for a Just Foreign Policy in Iran and Iraq.
Iraq. Remy Benoit
From CNN and John Roberts Routine mission turns into hunt for missing comrade.
From the AP and MSNBC U.S. soldier missing in Baghdad
Military official says translator may have been abducted.
From The Seattle Times "Iraq Notebook" Bush drops phrase "stay the course".
From CNN U.S. envoy: 'Success in Iraq is possible'.
From The Independent UK, Patrick Cockburn, and Common Dreams The Exodus: 1.6m Iraqis have Fled Their Country Since the War.
From The Observer, UK, Peter Beaumont, Edward Helmore and Gaby Hinsliff, and Common Dreams How Iraq Came to Haunt America.
From Just Foreign Policy Perpetual War for peace? Tour for a Just Foreign Policy in Iran and Iraq.
A Thought for Today. Remy Benoit
A quotation was sent to me this morning.
The way the world plays out depends on each and every one of us. There is a CNN poll today CNN. that says, so far, that 56% of our population does not have faith in our democracy and government.
That is pathetic.
Apathy is the number one source of dysfunction in our country. It is easy to sit back and grumble about 'how things are.' If you want things differently, get off the sofa and do something about it.
This is the quote sent to me this morning from Albert Einstein:
Justice moves slowly but the Enron "boys" are being convicted; Abramoff has been convicted.
Voices are being raised across this country, not in fear, but in determination. So if you don't like things the way they are, change them. Find a group, start a group, with a voice on your particular area of concern.
We live with the heritage of Franklin, Jefferson, Washington, Adams, Paine, Madison and a long list of others who believed in this:
They froze at Valley Forge for this; walked into 'no man's land' for this; fought through a tide that beached red at Normandy for this.
Get off the sofa and do something other than give up what was fought for with so much blood of other Americans.
These are your basic rights:
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.
Amendment II - Right to Bear Arms. Ratified 12/15/1791.
A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.
Amendment III - Quartering of Soldiers. Ratified 12/15/1791.
No Soldier shall, in time of peace be quartered in any house, without the consent of the Owner, nor in time of war, but in a manner to be prescribed by law.
Amendment IV - Search and Seizure. Ratified 12/15/1791.
The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.
Amendment V - Trial and Punishment, Compensation for Takings. Ratified 12/15/1791.
No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a Grand Jury, except in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the Militia, when in actual service in time of War or public danger; nor shall any person be subject for the same offense to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb; nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation.
Amendment VI - Right to Speedy Trial, Confrontation of Witnesses. Ratified 12/15/1791.
In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury of the State and district wherein the crime shall have been committed, which district shall have been previously ascertained by law, and to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation; to be confronted with the witnesses against him; to have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his favor, and to have the Assistance of Counsel for his defence.
Amendment VII - Trial by Jury in Civil Cases. Ratified 12/15/1791.
In Suits at common law, where the value in controversy shall exceed twenty dollars, the right of trial by jury shall be preserved, and no fact tried by a jury, shall be otherwise re-examined in any Court of the United States, than according to the rules of the common law.
Amendment VIII - Cruel and Unusual Punishment. Ratified 12/15/1791.
Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted.
Amendment IX - Construction of Constitution. Ratified 12/15/1791.
The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people.
Amendment X - Powers of the States and People. Ratified 12/15/1791. Note
The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people.
Protect them. Wine belongs in a glass; there is no place for whining about your country. There is a place to have your voice heard. That place is your election booth. Be there on November 7 as an educated voter.
We all owe so very many so very much.
Afghanistan. Remy Benoit
From Reuters, The Washington Post, and Veterans for America
Taliban leader warns of fierce fighting to come.
Nuclear Strategy . Remy Benoit
From Just Foreign Policy. Patrick McElwee, and Truthout - a Position Piece on Nuclear Policies Justifying War With Iran: A False Strategy for Nuclear Non-Proliferation.
As always, your comments are welcome.
Timeline. Remy Benoit
From Time, Romesh Ratnesar and CNN What's Missing From the New Timeline for Iraq Analysis: U.S. officials in Baghdad have announced a new schedule for the Iraqis to take over. But they are still avoiding the "W" word.
Kevin Tillman. Remy Benoit
From MSNBC and Christopher Dickey A Brother's Rage Kevin Tillman’s incandescent statement against the Iraq war reads like poetry, and is part of a tragic tradition.
Timelines and Constitutions. Remy Benoit
From the San Francisco Chronicle and Anna Badkhen Experts say Iraq will find timetable difficult to meet.
From In These Days, Rep. John Conyers, and Truthout George W. Bush v. The US Constitution.
From The Guardian, UK, Julian Glover, Richard Norton-Taylor and Patrick Wintour, and Common Dreams Iraq: Voters Want British Troops Home by End of Year
Fresh pressure on Blair as public back calls for early withdrawal.
Feeding Military Familes. Remy Benoit
From SignonSanDiego.com, Rick Rogers, and the IAVA Helping the hungry on base Many military families rely on donated goods.
Also from the IAVA, Congresssional voting records on support for Veterans Full Ratings List.
Iraq. Remy Benoit
From Reuters and MSNBC U.S. sailor, 4 Marines killed in western Iraq
Deaths bring number of U.S. fatalities in October to at least 96.
From Salon.com and mark Benjamin U.S. generals call for Democratic takeover Disgusted with the leadership of the Iraq war, two retired generals say the GOP must go. Plus: More than 100 current military personnel join a campaign to get the U.S. out of Iraq -- now.
From CNN Bush acknowledges setbacks in Iraq.
From the Santa Fe New Mexican 5:30 am: New U.S. deaths make October deadliest month for U.S. troops since Jan. 2005.
From Reuters, Mariam Karouny and Paul Holmes, and Common Dreams Iraqi PM Distances Himself from US.
From Martina Fetzer, Daily Athenaeum (University of West Virginia; Morgantown, West Virginia)and Veterans for America
Op-Ed: Returning Iraq War Troops Need Psychological Support.
Combat Stress. Remy Benoit
From MSNBC and Richard Engel Middle East Correspondent and Beirut Bureau Chief Combat stress taking toll on U.S. soldiers
Troops are increasingly fighting an invisible enemy — in their minds.
Rumsfeld says, " Back off...". Remy Benoit
From the AP and MSNBC Rumsfeld tells Iraq war critics to ‘back off’
He defends administration’s ‘benchmarks’ in combative press conference.
The basis of democracy is freedom of expression.
McCain: Send 20,000 More. Remy Benoit
From the AP and MSNBC McCain: Send 20,000 more troops to Iraq.
What number will be big enough to do the job?
If he is not voting to care for the Veterans we have, how will the new ones be cared for?
What are your thoughts on that?
'not America's man'. Remy Benoit
From the AP and MSNBC Aide: Al-Maliki a friend but not ‘America’s man’.
From the AP and Military.com October Deaths in Iraq Increase to 98.
From the AP and Common Dreams UN Official: US Terror Law May Violate International Treaties.
From the New York Times, James Glanz and Floyd Norris, and Truthout Report Says Iraq Contractor( KBR - Halliburton Subsidiary ) Is Hiding Data From US.
George Will and Joe Galloway on iraq. Remy Benoit
From Newsweek, George F. Will, and MSNBC Togetherness In Baghdad A surreal facet of the Iraq fiasco is the lag between when a fact becomes obvious and when the fiasco's architects acknowledge it.
From CNN Gunmen in fire on Iraq PM's convoy.
From Joe Galloway, Military.com and Truthout Ruining America.
A Letter to Governors from a Vietnam Veteran. Remy Benoit
I was asked to post this letter as it concerns all Veterans and the funding and disbursement of funds for disabilities. It was originally sent to the Governor of Arizona, but Sgt. Mikie decided he would like to have all our Governors read and address it. You can check at National Military Families Association. to see how the families of our current troops are doing and call your Governor's office to help redress the situation outlined below.
Here is the letter I was asked to post:
Honorable Governor:
As a Vietnam Veteran, I know of one veteran's benefit that is deserved and neither you or anyone else has fought for it, especially in Congress, where such things are decided.
I suspect, however that it was just over-sight. I didn't really notice it myself for years.
Then, when I did, I tried to rationalize if from a "Put yourself in their shoes" perspective, but to date, I can't really come up with any plausible explanation why such a glaring, unfair discrepancy exists and has not been noticed, or addressed, but allowed to continue as part of apparently the "Status Quo."
So, as I read your statement in the voter's information I received, I thought it might help me decide after seeing your debate with the other candidates, how to cast my independent/swing vote. I do know one thing for sure, though. It is not, but can be a very explosive issue, and if properly addressed, for the good of ALL Veterans, especially those youngerones in what some of us Vietnam types call "The new batch" it can be very helpful to them and you. Because it is something not only you, but the Governor of each and every state in this union should be aware of, considering the thousands upon thousands of dollars it costs Arizona and the other states, to take up the slack where Congress either dropped the ball, or slipped a "Quickie" in on you and the other 49 Governors.
Here is the problem: Sorry the setup took so long, but it is a complicated issue, so it had to take a while.
The VA Service - Connected Disability Compensation table is grossly out of balance, and unfair to veterans rated below 100% in most instances. The percentage system is used, of course, because Combat and other disabilities related to Military and Combat Service differ from the Social Security type of disabilities. Granted that, though, once adjudicated at a certain percentage, say for example 100% --the veteran is compensated at a rate of $2207.00 per month.
There are graduations of 10, 20, 30, etc. percent, but the Compensation for those lower percentages of disability is NOT. Just as an example --50%. A service-connected veteran @ 50% is compensated @ $400+ Dollars less than the amount that is equal to 50% of the $2207 for 100% service-connection. A veteran @ 50% only receives $690 whereas, $1103.50 is half or 50 percent of $2207.
Why do I think you would be interested in this glaring unfair discrepancy?
Well, the two adjectives I just used.... glaring, unfair AND the fact that as I mentioned in some cases...the State of Arizona is taking up the slack in food stamps, and depletion of Arizona Food Bank stores, and who knows what else...to make up for the Federal Government's oversight or whatever it was that made them so bad at math, Hahaha!
Since I am a poor veteran and I can use the money, I will make you a bet. I bet if you can find a way to track it, and announce that you are gonna raise this issue with the other governors, or sponsor legislation at a federal level to address this inequity, you could very well get at least a thousand more votes, not that you would necessarily need them what with partisan politics looking like it is looking.
I am an Independent, by the way, and still uncommitted, so far.
But think what it would mean to Arizona's fiscal responsibility, and mine if I and the others if there are any - if with $1103.50 which is the FULL 50 percent at my disposal...I could drop off the Food Stamp rolls, and have a little bit of my dignity back and my faith in government and it's interest in it's avowed purposes and promises, and in it's ability to keep them, along with the rest of Arizona's veterans and indeed the rest of the veterans in this unfortunate situation in this whole great country that we loved so well, and still do, and only want them to show their professed love for us in kept promises to be fair with us.
Thank you for your time, and if it matters, I am actually leaning towards tossin’ ‘ya my vote.
Sincerely,
Michael Pectol
Former Sgt. HHB/2/77FA
U.S. Army, 4th and 25 Infantry Divisions,
Vietnam, 1967 - 1968
2/77arty.
From the IVAW. Remy Benoit
From ABC, Mike Gudgell, Iraq Veterans Against the War and Common Dreams Soldiers Say Support the Troops by Bringing Them home Active-Duty Troops Send Messages to Congress Opposing War in Iraq.
Reading Up on Iraq. Remy Benoit
From Newsweek and MSNBC Sampling on Iraq To explain the situation in Iraq requires writers ranging from soldiers to statesmen to scholars to reporters to a 24-year-old out-of-work computer programmer.
100 in October, so far. Remy Benoit
From Reuters and MSNBC U.S. military death toll in Iraq climbs to 100
Deadliest month since January 2005 when 107 troops were killed.
From The Washington Post, Peter Slevin, and MSNBC When troops bring the war in Iraq home.
From the AP and Military.com Missing U.S. Weapons in Iraq.
From The Philadelphia Inquirer, Trudy Rubin, and Common Dreams U.S. Blunders in Reconstructing Iraq Are Staggering.
SIGIR: Independent & Objective Oversight.
From Tom Paine and Jennifer Van Bergen Damage Control.
Are you registered to vote? Election Day is coming fast.
Iraq "nearly out of control". Remy Benoit
As of this evening, 101 American Troops have died in October in Iraq with many times that number of Iraqis.
No one should go to war without an exit plan.
From Tom Paine, Ray McGovern, and Common Dreams, an Opinion Piece Bush The Cheerleader.
Iraq: Divided Loyalties. Remy Benoit
From The Washington Post, Amit R. Paley, and MSNBC An Iraqi police force under the militias' sway
Infiltration of force could delay handover for years, U.S. trainers suggest.
From CNN U.S. considers increasing Iraqi troop levels.
Iraq. Remy Benoit
From the AP and MSNBC U.S. troops dismantle Sadr City checkpoints
Iraq prime minister orders move; wedding party bombed, 11 die.
From The New York Times, Sabrina Tavemise and The San Francisco Chronicle 81 Iraqis killed -- moderate Sunni professor slain
103 American troops have died in bloody month of violence.
From The Guardian Unlimited, UK, and Deborah Summers MPs reject call for Iraq war inquiry.
From The New York Times and Truthout Out, An Editorial The Untracked Guns of Iraq.
Rumsfeld Okays Increase Iraqi Security Forces. Remy Benoit
From the AP and Military.com Rumsfeld OKs Increase in Iraqi Forces.
Military Healthcare. Remy Benoit
From Nancy Goldstein, Raw Story, and Veterans for America Mind Game III - Full Metal Lockout: The myth of accessible health care.
Bill Moyers: The Hijacking of the American Dream. Remy Benoit
From Bill Moyers and Tom Paine America 101.
Privacy - going...going..... Remy Benoit
From MSNBC, The Red Tape Chronicles, and Bob Sullivan U.S. Near the Bottom in Privacy Study.
Apologies. Remy Benoit
Senator Kerry apologized for his comments, CNN Kerry apologizes for 'misinterpreted' words.
From Keith Olberman and MSNBC a request for another apology Bush owes troops an apology, not Kerry.
We need to have all the politicos working on the Wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Have you wondered just how much effort has gone into that with all the campaigning, name calling, nasty ads, and attention elsewhere?
And an apology from a private U.S. Citizen at Common Dreams Dear World
Please Know that we are Intent on Changing the Direction of our Country.
Veteran Candidates. Remy Benoit
From Michael Slenske, SMITH Magazine, and AlterNet This Election's 'Vet Factor'.
Bloody Start for November. Remy Benoit
From the AP and Military.com November Off to Bloody Start in Iraq.
From the AP and MSNBC Baghdad police: 56 bodies found in 24 hours.
VETERANS' BILL OF RIGHTS. Remy Benoit
From Military.com VETERANS' BILL OF RIGHTS.
International Opinion. Remy Benoit
From The Guardian UK, Julian Glover and Truthout British Believe Bush Is More Dangerous Than Kim Jong-il.
Classic Campaigning; Campaigning with Class. Remy Benoit
This video was shown to me.
I thought I should pass it along as one campaign
ad that has class, style, and a classic dignity.
From You Tube Mr. Lamont Goes to Washington.
"Rumsfeld Must Go". Remy Benoit
Iraq. Remy Benoit
From The Washington Post, Griff Witte, and MSNBC Contractors rarely penalized for misdeeds
Firms operating in Iraq take advantage of loopholes and lax oversight.
Where is the Executive and Congressional oversight for contractors?
From The Washington Post, Carol D. Leonnig and Eric Rich, and MSNBC U.S. seeks silence on secret CIA prisons
Court is asked to bar detainees from talking about interrogations.
From the AP and CNN Bush: Dems not unpatriotic, just wrong on Iraq.
From The LA Times and Paul Richter Democratic win may prod Bush on Iraq.
From the IAVA and Matt Runte The Fog.
From the Seattle Post-Intelligencer, Helen Thomas, and Common Dreams Election a Referendum on War and on Administration's Credibility.
Putting the Fox in the Hen House. Remy Benoit
From BushGreenwatch and Truthout Bush Names Exxon Chief to Chart America's Energy Future.
From Global Policy Forum, Joshua Holland, and AlterNet Bush's Petro-Cartel Almost Has Iraq's Oil. and The US Takeover of Iraqi Oil.
White House Defends Rumsfeld. Remy Benoit
From Reuters and MSNBC White House: Anti-Rumsfeld editorial ‘shabby’
Bush administration defends secretary of defense amid new calls for ouster.
From CNN Forces U.S. & Coalition Casualties.
From CNN Army Times: 'Time for Rumsfeld to go'.
From CNN War simulation in 1999 pointed out Iraq invasion problems.
From Common Dreams and Stephen Zunes Fourteen Senators Face Voters for the First Time since Authorizing Iraq War.
We will remember in November.
Hussein. Remy Benoit
From CNN Saddam Hussein sentenced to death by hanging.
From the LA Times and Alexancra Zavis Baghdad, provinces on shutdown for Hussein verdict
Leaders fear today's decision will trigger new violence. Attacks and torture claim dozens of lives.
From The Independent, UK, and Sameer N Yacoub Baghdad deserted in nervous wait for Saddam trial verdict
A curfew is in place but, with a death sentence 'almost certain' today, violence seems inevitable.
From the AP and MSNBC Saddam sentenced to death by hanging
Shiites, Kurds celebrate upon hearing court's guilty verdict.
Katrina is an Election Issue. Remy Benoit
From Truthout and William Fisher Political Amnesia.
Oil is a Reason. Remy Benoit
From The Washington Post, Peter Baker, and Truthout Bush Cites Oil As Reason to Stay in Iraq.
VOTE VETS. Remy Benoit
Ask someone who has been there what they need.
From The New York Times, Maureen Dowd, and Truthout A Wartime Love Story.
From The Nation, John Nichols, and Common Dreams A Referendum on Rumsfeld.
VOTE VETS. Remy Benoit
Iraq. Remy Benoit
From the AP and Military.com Advisers a Vital Link to Iraq Exit.
From Military.com and Joe Galloway Deeper Into Chaos.
From CNN Forces: U.S. & Coalition Casualties.
Soldiers and Veterans. Remy Benoit
From AlterNet and Nina Berman Does the Military Send Sick Soldiers to War?.
From Military.com and Joe Catoe Election Tests Veterans.
James Webb Fields of Fire.
A Collection of Works by James Webb.
VOTE VETS.
Opinion Pieces. Remy Benoit
From Vanity Fair and David Rose Neo Culpa.
From William Rivers Pitt and Truthout The Rat Pack.
From The Boston Review and Heather Gerken Six Ways to Reform Democracy What can happen when members of Congress sit down with scholars.
From Vanity Fair and Michael Wolff Survivor: The White House Edition.
From Vanity Fair and Todd S. Purdum Karl Rove's Split Personality.
From The Boston Review and Henry Farrell Bloggers and Parties Can the netroots reshape American democracy?.
VOTE Tomorrow!
From Mythic Imagination Institute, Brenda Sutton, and Jerry Wennstrom Follow Your Own Path.
It is the gift of a free democracy that you are free to choose your path.
Protect your right to do that.
Get out and Vote!
"Where are the checks and balances?". Remy Benoit
From Keith Olbermann and MSNBC Olbermann: Where are the checks, balances? Bush has been 'making it up' for too long, and the people have let him.
Election Day. Remy Benoit
Are you busy?
So are the troops in combat.
Get out and vote.
Are you a Patriot?
So were the hundreds upon hundreds of thousands whose blood soaked into foreign ground to protect your right to vote.
Get out and vote.
Do believe in our Constitution; in Checks and Balances; in the Right of Habeas corpus?
Get out and vote.
Do you support our Veterans?
Then honor those who have given, and are giving, so very much.
Get out and vote.
Do you want to pass on to your children the concern you have to protect your democracy? Then show them you care. Teach by example.
Get out and vote.
Do you want to show the world that we care about, treasure our freedom?
Then get out and vote.
"Duty, Honor,Country" is not just for the "Long Gray Line;" not just for those in active and reserve duty. It is for all of us who want to, who must 'Preserve, Protect, and Defend' our Constitution, our way of life.
It is for all of us a sacred duty.
Get out and vote.
Whatever else you are doing at the moment is not as important.
Get out and vote.
Blessings to all.
May we bless the USA by honoring our right, our duty, our obligation, to VOTE.
Click here to find your polling place. Polling Place.
Miz' Remy
Turning Tides. Remy Benoit
From MSNBC, Alex Johnson and Sheldon Gawiser Democrats turn the tables in Washington
Two Senate races all that stand between them and control of Congress.
Rumsfeld Resigns. Remy Benoit
From MSNBC Rumsfeld stepping down President taps ex-CIA chief Gates to replace embattled defense secretary.
Election Day plus 2. Remy Benoit
From the AP, Katherine Shrader, and The Houston Chronicle Gates seeks to resuscitate policy in Iraq.
From MSNBC and Brian Williams Rep. Pelosi poised to make history
Presumptive first female speaker of the House talks to NBC’s Brian Williams.
From Military.com and Brian Bresnahan A Lesson on Names. We need to, we must insist, that this new Congress pay serious attention to the needs of our Veterans.
From Military.com Veterans' Bill of Rights.
From The IAVA and Paul Rieckhoff Iraq Veterans Applaud Decision to Replace Sec. Rumsfeld.
From The Chicago Tribune and Garrison Keillor A Hint of Possibility in the Air.
Control Shifts. Remy Benoit
From the AP and MSNBC Rumsfeld acknowledges rocky turn in Iraq
On his way out, defense secretary says mission ‘not ... going well enough’.
From Tom Paine and Ray McGovern The Cheney-Gates Cabal.
Bush and Congress. Remy Benoit
From CNN Democrats bristle at Bush's push to confirm Bolton.
Post Election. Remy Benoit
From Joe Galloway and Tom Paine Time For Accounting.
From Forbes, Jessica Holzer and Matthew Swibel A Staggering New Bill For Iraq?.
From The Washington Post, Peter Baker and Thomas E. Ricks, and MSNBC Bush turns to old hands President seeking help from key veterans of father’s administration.
From Reuters and MSNBC Three U.S. troops killed in Iraq
Fatalities occurred in separate incidents; U.S. death toll at least 2,842.
From CNN Key Republican joins Dems opposing Bolton nomination.
From CNN Your e-mails: What Democrats should do first.
From Laura Neack and Common Dreams Restoring the Good Nation.
From The Progressive Matthew Rothschild Bush and Cheney and Their Disdain for Democracy.
From the UK to the U.S.. Remy Benoit
From The Guardian, UK, and Common Dreams Thank You, America.
Veterans Asked to Wear War Medals for Veterans' Day. Remy Benoit
From the AP, MSNBC, and Veterans Affairs Secretary Jim Nicholson War vets urged to wear medals on V-Day
Veterans Affairs secretary wants to instill pride in military service.
Thank you all for your service. Know that we will carry on trying to get the government to take better care of you.
Will you be in New York for Veterans' Day? Match with the IAVA. Remy Benoit
March With IAVA in the NYC Veterans Day Parade - An Invitation from Paul Rieckhoff.
Veterans Day. Remy Benoit
To all of you who serve, who have served, who have given so much, Thank you for your service.
We will continue to fight for your rights, for your care, when you come home.
Welcome Home, Soldier.
Please join Gary Jacobson for his Welcome Home for you. Welcome Home.
Veterans in the UK were honored with a two minute national silence. Reuters and MSNBC Britain honors war dead with 2-minute silence
London service held on anniversary of official end of World War One.
What are you doing to honor our Veterans? A Thank You for your service is a good place to start. A few years back, my dad, who served in the "Big One," said that to another Vet of his war. The man broke into tears saying it was the very first time anyone had ever said that.
If you are up in New York, March With IAVA in the NYC Veterans Day Parade.
Here is a message to you from President Bush A Proclamation by the President of the United States of America.
And a reminder to the new Congress,VOTE VETS.
May God Keep and Bless all of you.
Miz' Remy
From Congressman Nick Rahall of West Virginia 11.9.06 On Eve of Veterans Day, Rahall Renews Call For passage of GI Bill Of Rights In New Congress.
Reward for Missing GI. Remy Benoit
From CNN U.S. offers $50,000 to help find missing soldier.
Iraq. Remy Benoit
From The New York Times, James Glanz, David Johnston and Thom Shanker, and Truthout Democrats Aim to Save Inquiry on Work in Iraq.
From the AP and MSNBC Bomber kills 33 at Iraq police recruiting center
Death toll in suicide attack expected to rise, officials say.
From the AP and Military.com Elections may Shift Iraq War Policy.
From Time Magazine, Adam Zagorin, and Truthout Charges Sought Against Rumsfeld Over Prison Abuse.
From Capital Times, Editorial, and Common Dreams Listening to a Veteran.
George McGovern and William R. Polk: Out of Iraq.
From Tom Paine and Karen Dolan Cities For Peace.
From PBS, Mark Shields and David Brooks Analysts Discuss Elections, Rumsfeld and Changes Ahead.
From Time and Michael Duffy
Searching for an Exit Plan.
From Military.com Veterans' Bill of Rights.
Veterans and Illness. Remy Benoit
From Veterans for America, stress, catastrophic injuries, Agent Orange, and more.
Veterans for America.
Down Recent History Lane With Veteran Care. Remy Benoit
From the McClatchy Newspapers, Chris Adams and Alison Young Discharged and dishonored: Shortchanging America's veterans.
Where is your voice?
Use your voice. Support our Vets with more than bumper stickers.
Keep the Covenant - Be there for us and we WILL be there for you.
Iraq Options?. Remy Benoit
From The Washington Post, Michael Abramowitz and Thomas E. Ricks and MSNBC Iraq panel may have few good options to offer
Bush, Cheney, Blair to meet with Iraq Study Group on Monday.
Making Changes. Remy Benoit
From Newsweek, Josh Meacham, and MSNBC The Prodigal Returns.
From CNN Lawmakers question Iraq war's course after elections.It is not only the Administration that is responsible. The Congress, and, indeed, the American people need to dig deep and question their re-active rather than pro-active move to war without deep questioning. Again, again, again, we need to teach real history, not 'feel good' history to have an informed citizenry. The cost of not doing that is just too high.
From the AP and MSNBC Pelosi backs Murtha as majority leader
Endorsement adds to power struggle, as other Dems support Hoyer’s bid.
From the AP and CNN Insurgent activity rising in Afghanistan.
From The Independent, UK, Andrew Buncombe in Washington and Raymond Whitaker and Francis Elliott in London and Common Dreams Threat to Blair as Democrats Pledge Inquiry on Iraq.
From the San Francisco Chronicle, C.W. Nevius and Common Dreams Keith Olbermann Taps a Well of Discontent as the Anti-O'Reilly.
From the New York Times, an Editorial at Truthout Democrats and Iraq.
The Legacy of Agent Orange. Remy Benoit
From The Washington Post, Anthony Faiola, and MSNBC 30 years after war, Vietnam suffers toxic legacy
Officials move to address lingering effects of Agent Orange contamination.
Agent Orange, Gulf War Illness, Hepatitis, and Diabetes.
Operation Ranch Hand Agent Orange.
Veteran Problems. Remy Benoit
From Media News, Dogen Hannah, and Veterans for America Iraq War Veterans Flood VA System.
From The Christian Science Monitor, Amanda Paulson, and Veterans for America The New Veterans Among Us: Women.
Down History Lane Shell Shock Treatment WWI.
From the Heritage of the Great War and Rob Ruggenberg An Unexpected Epidemic of Shell Shock.
From Answers.com Combat Fatigue.
Soldiers' Heart. War and the Soul has been highly recommended by Veterans with PTSD. Perhaps it will help you.
Stand up for our Veterans.
Down History Lane with William Faulkner as he accepts his Nobel Prize 1950 - These are words that speak to us; we must listen.
I feel that this award was not made to me as a man, but to my work - a life's work in the agony and sweat of the human spirit, not for glory and least of all for profit, but to create out of the materials of the human spirit something which did not exist before. So this award is only mine in trust. It will not be difficult to find a dedication for the money part of it commensurate with the purpose and significance of its origin. But I would like to do the same with the acclaim too, by using this moment as a pinnacle from which I might be listened to by the young men and women already dedicated to the same anguish and travail, among whom is already that one who will some day stand here where I am standing.
Our tragedy today is a general and universal physical fear so long sustained by now that we can even bear it. There are no longer problems of the spirit. There is only the question: When will I be blown up? Because of this, the young man or woman writing today has forgotten the problems of the human heart in conflict with itself which alone can make good writing because only that is worth writing about, worth the agony and the sweat.
He must learn them again. He must teach himself that the basest of all things is to be afraid; and, teaching himself that, forget it forever, leaving no room in his workshop for anything but the old verities and truths of the heart, the old universal truths lacking which any story is ephemeral and doomed - love and honor and pity and pride and compassion and sacrifice. Until he does so, he labors under a curse. He writes not of love but of lust, of defeats in which nobody loses anything of value, of victories without hope and, worst of all, without pity or compassion. His griefs grieve on no universal bones, leaving no scars. He writes not of the heart but of the glands.
Until he relearns these things, he will write as though he stood among and watched the end of man. I decline to accept the end of man. It is easy enough to say that man is immortal simply because he will endure: that when the last dingdong of doom has clanged and faded from the last worthless rock hanging tideless in the last red and dying evening, that even then there will still be one more sound: that of his puny inexhaustible voice, still talking. I refuse to accept this. I believe that man will not merely endure: he will prevail. He is immortal, not because he alone among creatures has an inexhaustible voice, but because he has a soul, a spirit capable of compassion and sacrifice and endurance. The poet's, the writer's, duty is to write about these things. It is his privilege to help man endure by lifting his heart, by reminding him of the courage and honor and hope and pride and compassion and pity and sacrifice which have been the glory of his past. The poet's voice need not merely be the record of man, it can be one of the props, the pillars to help him endure and prevail.
Thank you, Mr. Faulkner. Fear makes us re-active rather than pro-active. We cannot thrive with a politics of fear.
Want to Help a Soldier?. Remy Benoit
Please go to Any Soldier. and find out what they need that you can send.
Vietnam Changing. Remy Benoit
From Newsweek, Michael Hastings and George Wehrfritz, and MSNBC The Song Of The South Hanoi's communists won the Vietnam War, but southern-born reformers are leading an economic boom as the country opens up to the world.
While Panel Talks, Death Walks in Iraq. Remy Benoit
From the AP and MSNBC Up to 150 kidnapped from Baghdad institute
Gunmen abduct scores of Shiites and Sunnis; Iraq universities to be closed.
From Newsday, Sheryl McCarthy, and Common Dreams Americans Need to Learn the Lessons of Iraq War. We also need to sit down and really examine why 'we so love war.' That answer lies in thousands of years of mythology. James Hillman: A Terrible Love of War.
From Brian Bresnahan and Military.com Troops Deal With SECDEF's Exit.
From Newsweek, Fareed Zakaria, and MSNBC Don't Punt on The Troops Issue
The question of boots on the ground is critical to any progress.
From Reuters and CNN Blair challenges Iran and Syria to help in Iraq.
Wish You Well Foundation. Remy Benoit
Support for the advancement of literacy Michelle and David Baldacci: Wish You Well Foundation.
For some of David's excellent books David Baldacci. The Christmas Train. is one you will want to read during the holiday season.
Immigrants and Legalisms. Remy Benoit
From the AP, Matt Apuzzo, and Turhout Bush: Immigrants May Be Held Indefinitely.
Treatment of Veterans....let's not keep them waiting!. Remy Benoit
From Conn Hallinan, Focus on Foreign Policy, and AlterNet Bush Admin. Gives Vets the Shaft.
Iraq. Remy Benoit
From The Washington Post, Jonathan Weisman, and MSNBC Reid says Bush needs to be pushed on Iraq
President ‘doesn’t understand the urgency,’ top Senate Democrat says.
From CNN Iraq panel offers hope, but unlikely to end debate.
Iraq. Remy Benoit
From the AP and MSNBC Top general warns against Iraq troop timeline
Abizaid also tells senators situation 'not as bad as ... back in August'.
From The Washington Post, Ellen Knickmeyer, and MSNBC Iraq sectarian strife imperils entire region
Analysts say civil war is a reality, but real worry is that chaos will spread.
From the AP and Military.com Sharp Divides in Congress Over Iraq.
New Orleans Levees. Remy Benoit
Please sign the petition and pass it along to protect, rebuild, and fund the levees.
Levees.org.
Do visit, and become a member of, Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities.
James Webb. Remy Benoit
From The Wall Street Journal Editorial Page Class Struggle American workers have a chance to be heard.
We need to push the new Congress to pass a decent minimum wage bill.
This is where you will find them, besides personal websites. Contacting the Congress.
To contact Senator-Elect Webb Thank you, Virginia.
From the AP and MSNBC Democrats join to raise minimum wage
Kennedy, Pelosi say it will be priority of both houses in new session.
Transition to Civilian Life. Remy Benoit
Visit with Military.com to find the information you need to help you make the transition Transition Center.
President Bush in Vietnam. Remy Benoit
From the AP and MSNBC In Vietnam, Bush speaks on Iraq
President says past conflict offers lessons for 'great struggle' in Iraq.
CNN Forces: U.S. & Coalition Casualties Iraq and Afghanistan.
War is a terrible thing, often doing great damage to not only a country, but to the individuals involved in it. Edward Tick: War and the Soul.
From the AP and MSNBC Soldier gets 90 years in Iraqi rape case.
From The Independent, UK, Jeremy Laurance, and Common Dreams Agent Orange: The Legacy of a Weapon of Mass Destruction.
Siegfried Sassoon: War and Other Poems.
Steve Mason, who passed on in 2005, was considered the "Poet Laureate" of the Vietnam Veterans. Let him tell you about war. Steve Mason.
From The Boston Globe, Marianne Williamson, and Common Dreams Waging Peace. Peace Alliance: Campaign to Establish a U.S. Department of Peace.
From Senator Russ Feingold and Tom Paine A Way Out of Iraq.
Iraq/Frost/Blair/Bush. Remy Benoit
From CNN Storm over Blair 'Iraq disaster' remarks.
From CNN Ho Chi Minh looms as Bush touts Vietnam lessons.
From Susan Lenfesty and Common Dreams, an Opinion Piece Bush Serves in Vietnam, Finally.
From the AP and Military.com Army Unit to Serve Third Tour in Iraq.
From USA Today, Richard Wolf, and Truthout Military Needs $127 Billion to Fund Iraq, Afghanistan Wars .
Grass Roots Move for Living Wage. Remy Benoit
From The Christian Science Monitor and Daniel B. Wood Grass-roots surge to boost minimum pay reaches L.A..
From The Mercury News, Richard Clough of the Chicago Tribune Minimum wage gets maximum priority.
From the U.S. Department of Labor Minimum Wage Laws in the States - April 3, 2006.
From the AFL-CIO Executive Pay Watch.
From the U.S. Census Bureau News Income Stable, Poverty Rate Increases, Percentage of Americans Without Health Insurance Unchanged.
Prescription drug costs are constantly rising at about 4x the inflation rate. I was prescribed some pills a few days ago. The cost of each pill, each pill, was just under $50. Without a health plan, well, you get the picture.
The new Medicare plan leaves many Seniors without coverage. Many Americans have no health insurance, let alone a prescription plan. Although WalMart is constantly controversial for a variety of valid reasons, they do offer this: Prescription drugs for $4 Wal-Mart price plan now here, and so are its critics.
These numbers, salaries, drug costs, Senior problems with it all, the fact that the VA is underfunded by billions of dollars, should give us pause, make Americans demand a righteous revamping of the entire health care scenario.
Use your voice Contacting the Congress.
How is your pension plan? Any "golden parachutes" in it? U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
Down History Lane with a Louisiana son Huey Long. He was a very interesting character, considered a threat by FDR, with his own vested interest, but he did get things done. By the way, if you haven't seen this movie, you just might learn a few things from it. All the King's Men.
Cooperate, Or.... Remy Benoit
From the AP, Laurie Kellman, and Truthout Democrats Warned Not to Block Bush's Judicial Nominees.
From The Hill, Roxana Tyron, and Truthout Senate Democrats Plan Overhaul of Military Tribunals Bill.
From Senator Leahy of Vermont Leahy Seeks Newly Disclosed Documents Relating To Bush Administration’s Interrogation And Detention Policies.
Wiretapping. Remy Benoit
From the AP and MSNBC Gonzales assails court rulings on wiretapping
AG says some judge’s definition of freedom poses a ‘grave threat’ to U.S..
Iraq and More. Remy Benoit
From The Washington Post, Peter Baker, and MSNBC Embittered insiders turn against Bush
War advocates, other conservatives say president mismanaged their vision. Could it be that their "vision" was not grounded in reality, in history? What message do they have for those sent to fight and die? Congress authorized this war; responsibility lies there too. The balance of power of the Consititution was put there for a reason.
From Christopher Brauchli and Common Dreams Fixing Halliburton & Iraq?.
From Consortium News, Robert Parry, and Truthout America: What to Do Next?.
Katrina. Remy Benoit
From The New York Times, An Editorial at Truthout
Katrina's Purgatory.
Thanks to the Times for remembering us, for telling it like it is. BUT, WE ARE LOUISIANA, MISSISSIPPI and the Gulf Coast is coming back no matter what it takes.
It is people like Danielle and Rich Sutton who have the faith, the determination, to bring back the wonder that is our beloved city, New Orleans.
So, coming soon to New Orleans The St. James Cheese Company. Ya'll come and show them that you are there for them, as they are there for New Orleans. Watch for the opening date.
Blessings,
Miz' Remy
Kissinger/McCain/Democrats/Hersch. Remy Benoit
Those of us from the Vietnam Era remember this name only too well.
From the AP and MSNBC Kissinger: Victory no longer possible in Iraq
Former secretary of state offers bleak outlook on U.S. military operations.
From the AP and MSNBC McCain: More troops needed in Iraq
Democrats looking for phased withdrawal.
From The New Yorker, Seymour Hersch, and Truthout The Next Act.
Iraqi Students - "no future". Remy Benoit
From CNN and Arwa Damon Iraqi students fear death of education system.
Negative Reception in Indonesia. Remy Benoit
From the AP and MSNBC Bush arrives to angry reception in Indonesia
Thousands protest before president’s visit to most populous Muslim country.
From the AP and CNN Blair: Force alone can't beat terrorism.
From the AP and CNN Bush noncommittal on Iraq troop deployment.
From the AP and Military.com House Democrat Wants Draft Reinstated.
From the AP and Military.com Iraq Bloodbath Continues.
From the Pueblo Chieftain Online, Juan Espinoza, and Common Dreams Vietnamization Didn't Work Then, Won't Work Now. For those of you who don't know Phil Ochs' music There But for Fortune.
Iraq Options and Iranian Summit. Remy Benoit
From the AP and CNN Go big, go long or go home: Few easy options for Iraq.
From the AP and CNN
Iran to host Iraqi, Syrian leaders for weekend summit.
Iraq and More. Remy Benoit
From the AP and MSNBC Six Muslim imams removed from U.S. airliner
Passenger raised concern; police questioned scholars before releasing them.
From The Washington Post, Thomas E. Ricks, and MSNBC Flaws cited in effort to train Iraqi forces
U.S. officers roundly criticize a program that is growing in importance. We do have to ask why they are still not being supplied with what they need?
From CNN Pelosi says no to draft legislation.
From Joe Galloway and Military.com Time to Fix What's Broken.
From the AP and CNN Iraq, Syria resume diplomatic ties.
From the AP and CBS Blair Vows Brits Will Stay In Afghanistan.
From the AP, Jennifer Loven, and ABC Bush Won't Commit to Iraq Troop Changes.
Senator-Elect James Webb of VA. Remy Benoit
From The Wall Street Journal, James Webb and Truthout Class Struggle.
General Wes Clark. Remy Benoit
From U.S.A. Today and Wes Clark Next move in Iraq?.
Janet Reno et. al.. Remy Benoit
From the AP, Matt Apuzzo and Truthout Reno Files Challenge to Terror Law.
Afghanistan. Remy Benoit
From the AP and Military.com Afghanistan May Need More Troops.
Iraqi Civilian Deaths. Remy Benoit
From the AP and MSNBC U.N.: 3,709 Iraqis slain in Oct.; highest toll yet
Officials blame growing armed militias, rampant torture for 'grim picture'.
Support for Soldiers. Remy Benoit
While you are sitting down to table, they are in combat...don't forget them...say thanks by helping.
America Supports You.
If you know someone who has come home and is having trouble, this is a good place for support, understanding, and compassion. Soldier's Heart - Mentor the Soul.
Senator McCain, et.al.. Remy Benoit
From the AP, Senator John McCain, and Truthout White House Hopefuls Vary on Iraq Policy.
Happy Thanksgiving. Remy Benoit
It is 32 here in the Southland this morning, clear and, for us, disturbingly, breathtakingly, dry. The turkey is in the oven and early light is just beginning to creep through the limbs of the Live Oaks outside my window.
This article leads the news from CNN here this morning. Top Marine: Troops under too much strain. I am hearing people say that our soldiers are fighting this war, not the rest of us; and, that they are feeling that.
There is a question floating around this morning - is Mr. Cheney in Iraq to visit with the troops? Cheney in Iraq for Thanksgiving. Mr. Cheney who was too busy with other things for service in Vietnam.
For Iraqis, like for our troops, October and November have not been good months. From the AP and MSNBC U.N.: 3,709 Iraqis slain in Oct.; highest toll yet
Officials blame growing armed militias, rampant torture for ‘grim picture’.
From the Seattle Post-Intelligencer, Amy Goodman, and Common Dreams, this observation Rumsfeld and a Mountain of Misery.
From Tom Hayden, the Huffington Post, and Commn Dreams U.S. Retreat from Iraq? The Secret Story. these observations.
From The New York Times, Maureen Dowd, and Truthout Lost in the Desert.
From Military.com and Joseph Kinney Perle's Revisionist History.
So, it doesn't really matter if Mr. Cheney is having supper with the troops. What matters is that when we send soldiers to fight we supply them adequately; we care for them when they come home; and we never, ever send them without an exit plan.
The turkey is cooking, the dryer is turning, it is quiet, pleasant, warm in the house because so many have fought so long for our freedoms. It is up to us to protect them, and to be there for the active combatants who fight for them, both during combat and when they come home.
At table tonight, remember them in your prayers; tomorrow, call your Congressman and Senators; call the White House, and demand that our troops get what they need - during and after war.
Blessings,
Miz' Remy
Religious War. Remy Benoit
From the AP and MSNBC Bombs, mortars in Shiite slum kill at least 161
Diplomats, politicians, clerics scramble for ideas to quell sectarian war.
From Reuters and MSNBC Wedding car in flames, blood flows in streets.
Iran. Remy Benoit
From the AP and MSNBC U.N.: Iran agrees to open nuclear books.
Pre-Katrina Memories from Mississippi. Remy Benoit
From Campbell Brown and MSNBC Volunteers preserve pre-Katrina memories
Web-based photo project reunites washed-away photos with families.
Troops Not Home for the Holidays. Remy Benoit
From the AP and MSNBC U.S. personnel mark holiday far from home
From Mideast to Southeast Asia, troops long for home, try to stay focused.
Wherever you are, our prayers are with you.
Thank you for your service.
Blessings,
Miz' Remy
Military Mothers . Remy Benoit
From The Washington Post, Donna St. George, and MSNBC Military mothers yearn to be whole
16,000 single moms are serving in Iraq, and strains don’t end upon return.
We Need to Speak UP About Health/Drug Care. Remy Benoit
It is not only the health care of our Veterans that needs attention, it is the health and prescription care for all Americans.
Health care, prescriptions, are basic necessities. Without a health program or a prescription program Americans cannot afford medical care. Even with these programs, the cost of health care can be prohibitive.
Health is not negotiable.
Health care is not the playground of megabuck lobbyists or pharmaceutical firms.
Health care, a decent health care program for all, including our Veterans, is up to the American people to demand.
You do have more power than lobbyists, than corporations, BUT ONLY IF YOU USE IT.
This country belongs to the people, not the corporations. Again, people have a voice. Ask the people in your family what they need in health care; ask them if they have slipped into the "donut hole". And then, when you know needs, demand action.
No one in this country should not be able to see a doctor or not have medication. No one.
From The New York Times, Robert Pear, and Truthout Drug Industry Is on Defensive as Power Shifts.
Stay or Go?. Remy Benoit
From the McClatchy Newspapers, Joseph L. Galloway, and Truthout Three Options for Iraq, None Perfect.
From the AP and MSNBC More U.S. troops killed in Anbar province
Baghdad may be the ‘center of gravity’ but western region still bloodiest.
From CNN 21 Shiites gunned down in front of families.
From CNN Cheney in Riyadh to discuss 'new initiative' with king.
This just came to me this morning from Tucson. The gentleman who sent it felt it should be shared. To all of you in service, blessings and thank you for your service. You are in our prayers. The Military Support Group: Thanksgiving.
3rd Time Around. Remy Benoit
It is clear, chilly this morning on the front porch.
It is peaceful on my front porch. The neighbor's dog, a big, black and white mutt, perhaps one hundred pounds of love is out there playing with my daughter's dog. All seems normal and yet these soldiers are off, for the 3rd time, to the battlefront. How often do we think of them when we drive to Church, to work, to make groceries, to go the movies, or sit on our front porches?
The country is at war, but it seems only the soldiers are at war. There is no rationing of gas, of food, or clothes, or anything else.
When they come home hurt, injured in body, mind, and spirit, they will face waiting lists at the VA, job problems, readjustment problems, family problems.
From Lawrence O'Donnell and the Huffington Post Rangel is Right.
From The Washington Post, Ann Scott Tyson, and MSNBC Long stints in Iraq fracture families
3rd Infantry Division will be the first deployed for a third year-long tour.
From The Washington Post, Robin Wright, and MSNBC Iraq group a study in secrecy, centrism
Outside participants describe process.
From Reuters and MSNBC Report: Insurgency is financially self-sustaining
Classified study reportedly says groups are illegally raising $70M to $200M.
Topics to Consider. Remy Benoit
From the AP and MSNBC Democrats vow an array of investigations
Possible probes include Medicare plan, Halliburton and energy task force.
From the AP and MSNBC High court to hear pivotal global warming case
A dozen states, large cities argue that emissions need to be regulated.
From the AP and Military.com US Involved in Iraq Longer Than WW II.
The Plot Thickens. Remy Benoit
Everything we do has its impact on many, many other things.
From CNN Iraq president to fly to Iran.
From Tom Paine and David Corn Iraq's Reality Bandwagon.
From The Times Online. U.K. and Devika Bhat and Agencies UK troops to reduce by 'thousands' by end of 2007.
From The Mail Courier, Australia, and John McCarthy Politicians missed alarm bells.
From Tom Paine, Laura Flanders, and Common Dreams Never Saying 'Sorry'.
It is easy to place blame where it apparently lies, yet this is a democracy; a government with a built in balance of power. This engagement's problems lie also in Congress, and with the American voter.
We cannot ignore the balance of power between branches of our government, any more than we can ignore our Bill of Rights when we feel threatened.
Veterans For Peace Target Of Pentagon Spying.
We demand expertise in hiring for all kinds of jobs, but we do not demand that of diplomats. We do not insist that they speak the language, know the culture of the countries to which we send them.
We do not place value on our own heritage by insisting that real history, art, culture, music, languages, literature be taught in our schools. They are always the first to go with budget crunches. We may be 'teaching to the test' but we are not teaching toward real life, nor the future of our country.
That is our responsibility in the democracy, to educate to bring out the best each child has to give to continue the incredible heritage that is being passed down. If we don't do that; if we ignore our rights; if we ignore the fundamental structure of our Constitution, we are bound to failure.
If we continue to espouse competition rather than cooperation, the theory of scarcity will continue; the gap between haves and have nots will broaden, and untold conflicts will continue.
The answers, the responsibilities, lie with each and everyone of us.
The defense of our country's heritage calls for real patriotism - standing up and saying "this is what we truly stand for."
What is it that we truly stand for? Only we can answer that question.
From the AP, Erica Werner, and Truthout Waxman Has Bush Administration in Sights.
From Anne Usher, Cox News Austin American Statesman and Veterans for America Stress Disorders, Drug Abuse, Little Help for Troops.
From Gigi Stone, ABC News, and Veterans for America Vets Skeptical VA Can Cope with Iraq War Wave.
From The Independent, UK, Stephen Castle and Kim Sengupta, and Truthout NATO Urged to Plan Afghanistan Exit Strategy as Violence Soars.
Impact. Remy Benoit
From the Washington Post, Robin Wright and Thomas E. Ricks, and MSNBC Civil war in Iraq near, Annan says Iraq Study Group begins closed, two-day meeting.
From Joe Galloway and Military.com Time to Fix What's Broken.
From CNN Insurgents target oil sources, cause massive infernos.
From the AP and Truthout US Military Deaths in Iraq Hit 2,875.
From the AP and CNN NATO eyes Afghan handover in 2008.
And a new book coming out to reflect upon. From William Fisher and Truthout Elizabeth de la Vega:US v. Bush, et al.
Middle East Issues. Remy Benoit
From the AP and CNN (Jordanian) King wants Bush to refocus on Palestinian-Israeli conflict.
From the AP and MSNBC Ahmadinejad sends letter to American people
Note from Iran president to be released later Wednesday, state media says.
From the AP and Military.com U.S. Troops Battle Iraqi Insurgents.
From Bloomberg.com, Roger Runningen and Catherine Dodge Bush Searches for Ways to Transfer Security to Iraq.
The basis of democracy is open debate, discussion. This new book by Elizabeth de la Vega: United States v. George W. Bush et al.. should certainly spur that debate. For the introduction to United States v. George W. Bush et al. go to Common Dreams A Fraud Worse than Enron.
Senator Chuck Hagel, Nebraska. Remy Benoit
From The Washington Post, Senator Chuck Hagel, and Truthout Leaving Iraq, Honorably.
Iraq. Remy Benoit
From the AP and MSNBC Pentagon eyeing further deployments to Iraq
Iraq Study Group to release report Dec. 6, expected to seek regional talks.
FEMA and Katrina Aid. Remy Benoit
From NBC and MSNBC FEMA must resume Katrina housing aid
Short-term housing benefits reinstated for disasters’ victims.
Iraq - Stay the course, or alter it?. Remy Benoit
From CNN Source: Iraq panel to advise gradual U.S. pullback.
From the AP and Military.com Bush: U.S. Troops Will Remain in Iraq.
From CNN, Colin Powell, and Truthout Colin Powell Says Iraq in a "Civil War".
From The Los Angeles Times, Julian E. Barnes and Peter Spiegel and Truthout Controversy Over Pentagon's War-Spending Plan.
For a long while now, soldiers have been noting that TV shows, celebs, and other inconsequential things seem to garner more attention than the war they and fighting, not to mention their well being, need of supplies, etc. Bob Hebert of The New York Times addresses that situation at Truthout. While Iraq Burns.
From Tom Paine, Common Dreams, and Bill Moyer Message To West Point.
Add this to your shopping list Any Soldier.
Perhaps one of the solutions to this terrible situation is prayer. Remember what the astronauts told us; that when you are in space, there are no national boundary lines visible? Perhaps we can cross them with universal prayer? It couldn't hurt to try in all languages, in all faiths. There are radical elements in all faiths; most followers are more in tune to charity, compassion, and forgiveness. Sheer numbers of prayers might tip the balance to reason.
Edgar Mitchell was one of those young, inspired astronauts. This is what he did with what he learned. The Institute of Noetic Sciences.
Gingrich Attacks Freedom of Speech. Remy Benoit
Tonight we see the 172nd Stryker Brigade come home and try to settle in, to adjust to not being in a combat zone.
They, like countless brigades before them, went to "Preserve, Protect, and Defend," as well as to spread, the ways of democracy.
They went to protect with more blood, what so much blood has been spilled to defend - Our Constitution and its Bill of Rights.
And yet, Mr. Gingrich thinks he knows better about how we should protect our freedom - by curtailing Freedom of Speech. Sorry, Mr. Gingrich, that is a non sequitur and we are not buying into it.
Freedom is freedom; it is not a little bit of freedom, or some panel, somewhere, deciding how much of it we can have.
To the 172nd Stryker, WELCOME HOME. THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE.
To Mr. Gingrich, back to Civics 101 and then to Edward Tick's War and the Soul. to learn the price of FREEDOM and how dearly we hold it.
From MSNBC and Keith Olbermann Gingrich wants to restrict freedom of speech?
Legal expert looks at constitutionality of former House Speaker's comments.
Iraq and Ripples. Remy Benoit
From The Washington Post, Peter Baker and Thomas E. Ricks, and MSNBC Iraq panel: Withdraw combat units by 2008
Some troops would remain to train, advise Iraqis.
While you were traveling, someone might have been taking notes. From the AP and MSNBC U.S. gives travelers terrorist risk ratings
Scores based on past one-way travel, seating preference, meal choice.
FRom NOW, PBS, and Truthout Norman Lear: Why Is the Media Not Serving the Public Interest?.
From the AP and Military.com U.S. Forces Conduct Baghdad Raids.
From Joe Galloway and Military.com Sinking Into Confusion.
Stormy Weather. Remy Benoit
There is frost out there this morning but others are sadly feeling the impact of a strong front that roared through.
From the AP and MSNBC Storm blamed for deaths, outages and delays.
Do check on your elderly neighbors, and please, do not overdo with the shoveling!
Cutting Straight to What Is. Remy Benoit
From Dan Froomkin and Common Dreams On Calling Bullshit.
From Keith Olbermann, MSNBC, and Truthout We Fight for Liberty by Having More Liberty and Not Less .
From the AP and MSNBC Leahy expresses outrage at travel terror ratings
Incoming Senate committee chairman pledges better scrutiny of screening.
From The Guardian, UK, Julian Borger and David Pallister and Truthout Corruption: The "Second Insurgency" Costing $4 Billion a Year.
From Veterans for America Cascading Conflicts in the Middle East: A Look at Iraq.
From the AP and Truthout Huge War Spending Bill to Test Democrats.
Coming Home Should Be With Dignity. Remy Benoit
While we do not get to see, to honor, those coming home who have fallen in the line of duty, despite the non-coverage, they should be coming home with honor and dignity.
From the AP and Military.com Soldier's Casket on Baggage Cart.
FEMA - still. Remy Benoit
Katrina slammed into New Orleans and the rest of the Gulf Coast in late August of 2005. In many areas you would think that it hit in August of this year because of the lack of progress.
We welcome you, indeed, we encourage you to come to the French Quarter, to dine, to dance, to party, but we ask you also to be aware, to spread the word. The Gulf Coast is coming back, and it takes proper funding to do that. Revenues from the Gulf must go to the people who work for them.
The people of this area love it here. They have waged an incredible attempt to bring order to their lives. But they cannot do it, any more than anyone else, anywhere else, could, without sufficient backup.
The Gulf Coast provides so much to the rest of the nation. And yet FEMA still can't seem to get it right.
From The Washington Post, Spencer S. Hsu, and MSNBC Judge's order reveals FEMA aid shortcomings
Fraction of households to reach limit; bureaucracy is faulted.
From The Times Picayune and Bruce Alpert House to vote on offshore royalties Louisiana would get millions for coast.
From The Times Picayune and Steve Ritea Teacher shortage looms in N.O.
11 schools to reopen for next semester.
From AlterNet, Will Bunch, and Attytood Why the Levee Broke.
From David Metraux.com Pictures of the Ninth Ward, January 2006.
From Wikimedia Category:Hurricane Katrina aftermath in Lakeview, New Orleans.
It would be great if we could give Congress a required reading list. It would include these two books by Mike Tidwell Bayou Farewell: The Rich Life and Tragic Death of Louisiana's Cajun Coast. and The Ravaging Tide: Strange Weather, Future Katrinas, and the Coming Death of America's Coastal Cities.
And if you are somewhere else, saying it can't happen here, well, find a way to check out what the Weather Channel had to say about It_Could_Happen_Tomorrow . in your area.
Sometimes we need to rethink our thinking, even though perhaps previously we have decided other things. That refers to the prosperity and safety of our cities and towns, and to our war efforts too. From Reuters and MSNBC Rumsfeld's pre-quitting memo urged Iraq shift
Document, confirmed by Pentagon, offered no specific recommendations.
It is a very special time of year for many of us.
Perhaps the miracles we should pray for are clarity of thought, compassion, and just down right common sense.
Blessings,
Miz' Remy
Monday Morning. Remy Benoit
It is very cold out there this Monday morning.
There are awful problems around the globe this morning.
From Reuters and MSNBC Philippines fears 1,000 killed by typhoon, slides
Officials say many bodies may never be found; national calamity declared.
From the AP and MSNBC Wildfires destroy 5 homes in southern Calif.
Hundreds more threatened by blazes whipped by Santa Ana winds.
From CNN Hadley: Bush knows changes needed in Iraq.
From the AP and MSNBC
Women Take on Major Battlefield Roles.
From the AP and Military.com Bush not Seeking Cover for Pullout.
From Newsweek, Fareed Zakaria, and MSNBC A Troubled 'Afghan Model'
Having confronted Islamic extremists on many issues, Musharraf seems to believe he need not thwart them on the goal of Afghan jihad.
From the Toronto Sun, Eric Margolis, and Common Dreams Babylon is Burning.
From the New York Times, Frank Rich, and Common Dreams Has He Started Talking to the Walls?.
From Eleanor Clift, Newsweek, and Truthout No Pandering Here.
An Important Question: When Will We Honor Those Who Serve?. Remy Benoit
From Ben Stein and Military.com When Will We Wake Up?.
From CNN CNN Forces: U.S. & Coalition Casualties in Iraq.
From CNN Enduring Freedom Casualties.
From The Daily Nightly, Robert Bazell, and MSNBC The Signature Wound of the Iraq War.
This is the way it is while the folks at home are out doing holiday shopping, dining out. Perhaps this could be put on the shopping list? From the VFW Operation Uplink. Or this Cell Phones for Soldiers.?
Ben poses a great question - When will we wake up?
From the McClatchy Newspapers and Les Blumenthal.GAO report blasts Veterans Affairs over budget, care for soldiers.
A MUST READ OR LISTEN. Remy Benoit
From NPR:
Soldiers Face Obstacles to Mental Health Services.
Soldiers Say Army Ignores, Punishes Mental Anguish
by Daniel Zwerdling.
Reality Checks. Remy Benoit
From Ivan Eland and Military.com The Coming Iraq Policy Clash.
From the Washington Post, Ann Scott Tyson, and MSNBC Army battling to save equipment
Gear piles up at depots, awaiting repair.
From the AP and MSNBC Confirmation hearing for Gates on Tuesday
Sec. of Defense nominee expected to face strong Iraq war questions.
From the Miami Herald, Ray McGovern, and Common Dreams A CIA Insider's Take on Gates.
From The Los Angeles Times, Peter Spiegel and Julian E. Barnes, and The San Jose Mercury News Worries over Gates' style as defense hearings start
Another Rumsfeld-llike Bully, Or a Changed Man?.
From The Boston Globe, Beverly Beckham, and Common Dreams Mourning the Hidden Tragedy in Iraq.
IAVA Members and Supporters Raise Money for the VA. Remy Benoit
Bravo! IAVA and Coyote Ugly Raise Money for Nashville VA Hospital.
Paul Rieckhoff Chasing Ghosts: A Soldier's Fight for America from Baghdad to Washington.
Hiring Out a War. Remy Benoit
From The Washington Post, Renae Merle, and Truthout Census Counts 100,000 Contractors in Iraq.
"Get Tough". Remy Benoit
Before we get into the events of the day, I am still looking for shipmates of Art Hanman who served on the Essex way back when ponytails, mini-skirts, and Do Wop were giving way to peasant skirts, Dylan and Baez. One of you, a special buddy, was then down Pascagula way and he would like to hook up with you and take a sail down memory lane. So, if you are reading this, give me a holler through Comments and I'll connect you. Art is heading down to the Southland for a visit, so let's get to it. This is Pascagula 6 months after Katrina.
If you are a Veteran looking for work, this is a place to start. From Military.com Careers.
Now to the Iraq Study group. From The Washington Post, Peter Baker and Dafna Linzer, and MSNBC Report to urge Bush to put screws to Iraq
Iraq Study Group to recommend putting teeth behind security benchmarks. Freedom, democracy are gifts, earned, cherished. When you haven't known those, perhaps it is difficult to comprehend that they are worth fighting for.
From Norman Solomon and Common Dreams Media Sham for Iraq War -- It's Happening Again.
From The New York Times, David Stout, and Truthout At Hearing, Gates Says US Not Winning War in Iraq.
From The Los Angeles Times, Nicole Gaouette, and Truthout Smuggling, Theft, Bribery at Agency ( Homeland Security ).
And from The Chicago Sun Times, Jesse Jackson and Truthout Congress Must Insist Bush Isn't Above Law.
Iraq. Remy Benoit
From the AP and MSNBC 10 U.S. service members killed in Iraq
Meanwhile, mortar attack kills 8 Iraqis, wounds 40 in Sadr City district.
From NBC and MSNBC Panel says U.S. policy in Iraq ‘is not working’
Group calls situation ‘grave and deteriorating;’ Bush pledges action.
From William Lind and Military.com an Opinion Piece Boomerang Effect.
From Tom Hayden and Common Dreams Iraq Study Group Report Rebuffs Neo-Conservatives, But Still Seeks “Success” Through Lower-Profile War.
History Lessons. Remy Benoit
It is Pearl Harbor Day and we are in yet another war.
From The Detroit Free Press and Julie Edgar PEARL HARBOR | 65 YEARS LATER: Veteran tells his tale.
From Newsweek, Michael Beschloss, and MSNBC Advice, But Often No Consent Presidents listen to blue-ribbon panels—sometimes.
From the Avalon Project Gulf of Tonkin Resolution.
From Wikipedia Gulf of Tonkin Incident.
From CNN Bush may announce 'new way forward' in Iraq.
From Peter Hart and Tom Paine Withdrawing From Debate On Iraq.
Global Security Updates. Remy Benoit
From Veterans for America Global Security Updates' Take on the Iraq Study Group Report.
Deep Freeze. Remy Benoit
To those of you in the Southland, from Louisiana across to Florida coast, watch those crops, cover those plants, protect your animals, and your pipes the cold is here and more is coming.
It is 28 here at the moment, so take this warning seriously.
From CNN Deep South headed for deep freeze.
From Newsweek, Evacuees: Where Are They Now?.
Bush, Syria, Iran and More. Remy Benoit
From CNN Bush tells Iran, Syria how they can join Iraq talks.
From NBC, Joel Seidman, and MSNBC Rumsfeld faces personal suit by detainees
Former prisoners accuse him of torture techniques in Iraq, Afghanistan.
From the AP, Robert Burns, and Truthout Senators Question Iraq Panel's Blueprint.
From The New York Times, Sheryl Gay Stolberg and Kate Zernike, and Truthout Bush Backs Away From Two Key Ideas of Panel on Iraq.
From AlterNet, Antonia Juhasz, and Truthout Oil for Sale: Iraq Study Group Recommends Privatization.
From The Washington Post, Nancy Trejos, and Truthout 11 US Troops Killed in Iraq.
From The Progressive, Matthew Rothschild and Common Dreams The Fantasies of the Baker Report.
And if you missed this one before, do join Bill Moyers at West Point. From Bill Moyers, Tom Paine, and Common Dreams Message to West Point.
Joe Galloway. Remy Benoit
Author of We Were Soldiers Once-And Young:Ia Drang--The Battle That Changed The War In Vietnam .
Says at the McClatchy Newspapers and Truthout Leave Iraq Now; Don't Wait Until 2008 Election Day.
3 Retired Generals Give Opinions. Remy Benoit
From Newsweek, Daren Briscoe, and MSNBC What the Generals Say Three retired U.S. Army officers discuss their views on the Iraq Study Group recommendations.
From Newsweek, Christopher Dickey, and MSNBC Closer to the Abyss
U.S. troops just don't have the means to stop Iraq's death squads. Why the Baker proposals could turn into a nightmare.
From The Nation and Robert Dreyfuss The Iraq Study Group: A Fatal Flaw.
From Common Dreams and Tom Hayden The Baker Agenda: Troops out, Oil Companies in?.
From the AP and Military.com Bush Quickens Search for New War Plan.
From the AP, Matthew Daly, and The Seattle Times Smith says Iraq war may be "criminal".
From the AP, Ben Evans, and Truthout McKinney Introduces Bill to Impeach Bush.
Afghanistan. Remy Benoit
From the Los Angeles Times, Laura King and David Holley, and Truthout Afghanistan War Nears "Tipping Point".
Unconditional Love. Remy Benoit
Are you looking for the perfect gift?
Are you looking for the perfect read to give to someone who is searching for self, for loving, unconditionally?
Well, I have 4 offerings for you right here.
If you love New Orleans, if you are someone who is trying to live beyond pain, to turn the pain of the loss of a loved one to something special, then may I suggest Loving. You can read an excerpt just by clicking to the right.
Are you someone who loves someone with PTSD? Do you wonder if others share the things you know, the trials you have tried so hard to overcome? Then you will love the way Mellie and Jesse find peace, and loving, unconditionally, in Peace, Now. far away from home in the haunted Schloss Geisttod in Augsburg.
Do you love the sea, or know someone else who does? Are you tired of what you are doing; want to try a new place to live by the water; love water music; wonder what we can learn today from a Spanish Conquistador?
Then Island Quilts. will help you on your way to making new designs, a new pattern in your life.
Do you love historical stories of triumph over fear; triumph against incredible odds? Are you interested in World War I, in the time period from 1870 - 1920; wonder what price was paid for Women's Suffrage; love wandering the streets of New Orleans and the back bays of the Atlantic?
Then you will want to meet Letty.
Don't forget, if you are writing your own story and need gentle editing help, guidance, and support, visit with me at Remy Benoit Writing.
The rates are reduced if you are a Veteran!
If you would just like to donate to Welcome Home Soldier to help me carry on, please, just click on Donate and do the Pay Pal thing.
You can write yourself home.
I know from my own experience.
I invite you to start with the free writing seminar here, Using History for Healing and Writing..
And please, send Jerry Wennstrom's, or one of my books above as a holiday gift to someone you know who wants to know about the incredible power of love to heal.
Thank you,
Blessings,
Miz' Remy
Editorial on Iraq Policy. Remy Benoit
From the Philadelphia Inquirer Bush and the Iraq Report More reflexive rejection.
From CNN and Truthout GOP Senator Criticizes Iraq War in Emotional Speech.
From MSNBC Iraqi president calls panel’s report ‘dangerous’
83 more dead around country; U.S. death toll inches higher.
4 More Dead in Iraq. Remy Benoit
While they meet to find a strategy, and the Iraqis are angry with the Baker Report, from CNN Roadside bombs kill 4 U.S. soldiers in Iraq.
From Robert Shetterly and Common Dreams What’s the Opposite of a Pyrrhic Victory?.
Death Keeps Coming in Iraq. Remy Benoit
From the Indianapolis Star Iraq: News in brief.
From Reuters Bomber kills 60 in Baghdad.
From Joseph Kinney and Military.com No Worthy Heroes?.
From the Boston Globe, James Carroll, and Common Dreams Desperate for Answers to All-Important Iraq Riddle.
From The New York Times, Bob Hebert, and Truthout The Time Is Now.
Listen to the Earth Under Your Feet. Remy Benoit
This sound recording will give you something to think about. While we draw borders, draw up 'isms',
kill each other, the earth is making sounds.
Perhaps she is listening to us?
Do we want her to hear what we are doing?
From NPR and John Bullitt Hearing Earth: Rumblings of a Complex Planet.
Iraq. Remy Benoit
From Truthout Remarks of Senator Carl Levin at the Brookings Institution - Seminar on US national security policy issues..
Iraq and Joint Chiefs. Remy Benoit
From The Washington Post, Robin Wright and Ann Scott Tyson, and MSNBC Joint Chiefs advise change in war strategy
Shift would seek to bolster Iraqi army.
From The New York Times, Adam Liptak, and Truthout US Subpoena Is Seen as Bid to Stop Leaks.
Iraq and More. Remy Benoit
From The Washington Post, Glenn Kessler and Robin Wright, and MSNBC Rice rejects overture to Iran, Syria
‘Compensation’ in any deal might be too high, she says.
From Reuters and MSNBC Poll: Arab attitudes toward U.S. more negative
Survey underscores need for shift in U.S. Mideast policy, expert finds.
From The Nation and David Corn The Waiting Game.
From the McClatchy Newspapers, Joe Galloway, and Common Dreams Bush's 'New Way Forward' Is into Quicksand.
From Military.com Veteran Job Search.
From The Guardian, UK, Timothy Garton Ash, and Truthout Bush Has Created a Comprehensive Catastrophe Across the Middle East.
From CNN U.S. & Coalition Casualties.
From CNN POW/MIA.
Do You Know a Hero?. Remy Benoit
Do you know someone who goes beyond to do what needs doing?
Visit with the The Giraffe Heroes Project.
It Goes On. Remy Benoit
From the AP and MSNBC Gunmen kidnap dozens at Iraq's Red Crescent
Assailants pack employees, visitors into trucks, leave women behind.
From CNN Kidnapping overshadows Blair visit.
From Heather Wokusch and Common Dreams It's Not Just Bush: We're Accountable Too.
From Fin Law, John W. Dean, and Common Dreams Refocusing the Impeachment Movement on Administration Officials Below the President and Vice-President
Why Not Have A Realistic Debate, with Charges that Could Actually Result in Convictions?.
From the AP and Military.com Reserves, National Guard Feel Strain.
From Donald Rumsfeld and Military.com Farewell.
From Deutsche Welle Rumsfeld Sued for Alleged War Crimes.
From The Washington Post, Charles Babington, and Truthout Incoming Chairmen Ready to Investigate.
Monday Morning. Remy Benoit
Hanukkah is being celebrated, Christmas is coming, and war rages on. Somewhere we have missed the point of, oh so many things.
Perhaps, perhaps, we could spend this week, while candles are being lit, while Christmas lights glow, to search ourselves, to search for a better, indeed, to pray for a better way.
It Grows Worse. Remy Benoit
From NBC and MSNBC Iraq attacks at highest level in two years
Weekly average number close to 1,000, Pentagon report says.
From the AP, Robert Burns, and Truthout Gates: Iraq Failure Would Be "Calamity".
From Keith Olbermann and MSNBC Olbermann: Where are the checks, balances?.
White House Vs Joint Chiefs on Troop Enhancement. Remy Benoit
From The Washington Post, Robin Wright and Peter Baker, and MSNBC White House, Joint chiefs split on more troops
Pentagon warns of risks of ‘surge’ option for Iraq.
Iraq. Remy Benoit
From the Miami Herald, Joe Galloway, and Truthout Desperation in the White House.
From CNN Pentagon: Militia more dangerous than al Qaeda in Iraq.
From the Morning Call, Dr. Gary Olson, and Common Dreams Hold Those Responsible for Iraq Accountable.
From the AP and Military.com US Considers Navy Buildup in Mideast.
From Reuters Top U.S. general in Middle East to retire.
From The Nation and John Nichols "Surging" in the Wrong Direction.
From The Washington Post, Peter Baker, and Truthout US Not Winning War in Iraq, Bush Says for 1st Time.
From Truthout, W. Patrick Lang and Ray McGovern It Can't Be Won Militarily; So, Send More Troops?
Time to Do Something About This. Remy Benoit
We need to DEMAND that our Veterans receive proper care. That they don't is just unacceptable.
From the McClatchy Newspapers and Chris Adams VA's ability to provide benefits worsens.
Iraq. Remy Benoit
From the AP, Lolita C. Baldor, and Truthout US Commanders Wary of Gates Proposal.
Reservists. Remy Benoit
From The McClatchy Newspapers, Dave Montgomery and Kevin G. Hall, and Truthout Leaned On as Never Before, Reservists Weigh Re-Enlistment.
Bill Moyers: A Parable For Our Times. Remy Benoit
From Bill Moyers and Tom Paine A Parable For Our Times.
A MUST read.
Draft Anyone?. Remy Benoit
From The AP, Kasie Hunt, and Common Dreams
Agency to Test Military Draft Machinery.
Not Unexpected Responses. Remy Benoit
From The Los Angeles Times and Julian E. Barnes Generals: More troops needed in Iraq Commanders made their decision before meeting with Defense Secretary Gates.
From The Los Angeles Times, Molly Hennessy-Fiske, and Common Dreams Trainers Skeptical on Training
The U.S. is likely to add military advisors. But those already present wonder if Iraqi units can benefit from their help.
From the AP and CNN Bush tells U.S. troops in Iraq to expect change in 2007.
From The Washington Post, Nancy Trejos, and MSNBC Keeping Christmas alive on a Baghdad street
Perils fail to deter lone tree vendor.
From The Washington Post, Amit R. Paley, and MSNBC Trees for all the troops
Md. man's medic daughter inspires his holiday mission.
From Reuters and MSNBC Defying U.N., Iran vows to accelerate nuke work
Ahmadinejad says sanction backers will soon regret their 'superficial act'.
Down History Lane: Christmas 1932. Remy Benoit
Stan Scislowski is a Canadian WWII Veteran. For many years he took special pride in providing the members of his Legion with their newsletter. Stan is unable to do that now, but his spirit is still full of fun, of laughs, of vigor, and joy in life.
He is the author of Not All of Us Were Brave.
Stan is a special man, and a special friend. Walk with him down History Lane to learn a few things about Christmas, compassion, and being where the need is greatest.
Love to Stan - Blessings to you all.
Miz' Remy
Only two Christmases stand out in my memory. This isn't to say that all the others, especially those when my children were young enough to believe in Santa Claus weren't enjoyable and memorable—they were. But the two I'm speaking about here had come under unusual circumstances and situations, adverse conditions such as should have cloaked them in a shroud of unhappiness.
The first one I speak of is the Christmas of 1932, the year my father died. It was a snowless Christmas, not as cold as one would expect at that time of year. On the afternoon of Christmas Eve, my brother Joe, myself and my sister Olga were sitting on the front steps of our run-down house, a house badly in need of a paint-job. My mother couldn't afford to buy paint.
We sat there talking about Christmas and Santa Claus, of course and I came out with 'I hope Santa Claus brings me a hockey stick and a Snakes & Ladders game.'
My sister piped up with, "Santa Claus doesn't come to poor people's houses."
This shook me to the core, and I exclaimed, "Why?" Olga answered, "Because. He just doesn't come to poor people's houses." Blunt, but true. Strangely though, for a lad as young as I was(8) I thought about it for awhile, and then came to terms with it. "If that's the way it is, then that's the way it has to be."
While we sat there in cheerless conversation under a gloomy sky, a stake truck drove up and stopped in front of our place. A man on the passenger side got out and ran up the sidewalk with a clipboard and a sheaf of papers on it. He showed it to Olga, pointing a finger at a name thereon and asked if this family (ours) lived there (1554 Parent Ave.), to which Olga nodded assent.
The man turned about and hollered to the two men standing amidst a load of bushel baskets, and cardboard cartons. "Okay, fellows, let's go!"
Whereupon the three men carrying two bushel baskets full of groceries, candies, and other Christmas goodies, along with a large meat-basket(never see these around anymore) full of meat and a plucked goose, made their way up the sidewalk.
With the excitement as only kids our age could display at being handed something good and special we followed Olga as she directed the men around to the back entrance where the largesse was deposited on the kitchen floor to the surprise and tearful enjoyment of my mother.
The Goodfellows of Windsor had come through at the last minute and brought Christmas to the Scislowski/Hedgewick household when the prospects of a Merry Christmas appeared so bleak.
Thanks to some kind soul in the neighbourhood for turning in our names to the Goodfellows we were well on the way to having a Christmas celebration, a celebration that would be enhanced by the events of the wee hours of the night when we were tucked away under our feather-tick blankets, sound asleep.
Since Olga had made it known to me that Santa wouldn't be stopping at our house, I had no intention of waking up bright and early on Christmas morning. We had no tree set up and no decorations anywhere in the house. It would be just another humdrum day for us except for the traditional Christmas goose dinner with all the trimmings my mother could now prepare for us.
And so, when morning dawned, while I was deep in some dream long since forgotten, my brother Joe brusquely shook me awake, "Stan, Stan, come on see what Santa brought you!" It took a few seconds to get my wits about me before I leaped out of bed, almost ran into the Quebec heater (an upright wood and coal stove) and when I burst into the living-room, or front room, as we called it, there before my dancing eyes were balloons floating around and garlands hanging from the ceiling, and best of all, a three-foot decorated Christmas tree set up on a table in the corner, around it sat brightly wrapped boxes of gifts from Santa. I literally jumped out of my skin when I spied the hockey stick standing by the table with my name on the tag— To Stanley from Santa. And,yes, there was also a Snakes & Ladders game.
To say our household was filled with excited shouts and squeals of delight and merriness was to describe it in the mildest of terms. It was joy beyond joy and it all came out of adversity.
The Christmas tree and the presents and decorations came out of the hearts and kindness of my oldest sister Annie and my oldest brothers Peter and Mike, who somehow put enough nickels and dimes and pennies together from their meager earnings, Annie's from her house-cleaning jobs and Peter from his door-to-door selling of rugs and vacuum cleaners, and Mike from caddy-jobs and Border City Star paperboy earnings.
The reader, I hope, can see the message therein and why this Christmas of 1932 stands out in the memory.
Not Home for Christmas. Remy Benoit
The media seems to forget that our troops are stationed around the world, not just in Iraq, but in Afghanistan and other uncounted places.
To each and everyone of you, far away from home, from family, from safety, our prayers are with you for your safe return home. Thank you for being there to protect us.
For those of you who are at home, hurting physically, mentally, spiritually we will keep up the fight to get you the care with respect that you have so earned.
Blessings to All, Merry Christmas,
Miz' Remy
From the AP and CNN Soldiering through Christmas in Baghdad.
Gary Jacobson. Remy Benoit
Join Gary Jacobson for A Soldier's Bright Christmas Star at 'Nam Tour.
And here are somethings to think about:
The Miami Herald, W. Patrick Lang and Ray McGovern, and Truthout Troop "Surge" in Iraq Would Be Another Mistake.
The Oregonian, Jeff Kosseff, and Truthout Would You Send Your Relative to Iraq? Wu Asks.
Death count keeps rising. Remy Benoit
From the AP and MSNBC U.S. military deaths in Iraq pass 9/11 toll
At least 36 Iraqis killed in bombings; 6 American deaths announced.
Joe Biden - No Troop Increases. Remy Benoit
From the AP, Anne Flaherty, and Truthout Biden Vows to Fight Any Iraq Troop Boost.
Crescent City Blues. Remy Benoit
From The New York Times, Bob Hebert, Truthout The Ninth Ward Revisited.
Gerald Ford Passes. Remy Benoit
From the AP and MSNBC Gerald Ford dies at 93 Former president took over during depths of Watergate scandal.
From the AP and MSNBC Ford never second-guessed Nixon pardon
Former president hoped to free nation, himself of Watergate wounds.
Ron Kovic: The Forgotten Wounded of Iraq. Remy Benoit
Those of you who have family members who have come home wounded need to read this piece by Ron Kovic, author of Born on the 4th of July.
From Truthdig, Peace Work Magazine, and Ron Kovic The Forgotten Wounded of Iraq.
Ron knows, first hand, what a serious war injury means. Those of you who have family members wounded need to know what to expect.
We all need to stand up for our Veterans and demand decent health care.
Again, again, again, this is a place to start. Contacting Congress.
John Edwards - Presidential Run. Remy Benoit
From the AP and CNN Edwards' Web site jumps gun on presidential run.
One America Committee.
William Rivers Pitt: A Sentinel in Time. Remy Benoit
From William Rivers Pitt and Truthout A Sentinel in Time.
Elizabeth de la Vega: United States v. George W. Bush et al.
From The Portland Herald Press, Bart Jansen, and Truthout Ex-Maine Lawmaker Plans Anti-War Offensive.
From the AP, Will Weissert, and Truthout Many Soldiers Call Troop Surge a Bad Idea.
From The Washington Post, Bob Woodward, and MSNBC Ford disagreed with Bush on invading Iraq
Former president made comments in embargoed interview in July 2004.
Saddam Hussein Hangs at 6 A.M.. Remy Benoit
From MSNBC Iraqi leaders weigh Saddam execution
Source: Ex-leader will be hanged by 6 a.m. Baghdad time.
That is less than an hour our time here.
There has been so very much death in my lifetime.
WWII had just ended when I was born. We followed with Korea, with endless 'brush fire wars,' with Mutually Assured Destruction, with Vietnam, with Desert Storm, with southeastern Europe, with Enduring Freedom, with all the horror in Africa, in Central America, in Afghanistan. I could probably type all night listing the horrors of the Cultural Revolution in China and many other places.
A ruler who takes the wrong path, who takes the path of greed, of destruction, of ego must face the responsibility of his, or her, actions. Those who served him, who followed that path with him, well, we decided at Nuremberg that 'I was just following orders' does not wash.
And so, we must ask ourselves if we are willing to follow the long tentacles of culpability - to those who served a ruler on the wrong path, to those who supplied him, to those who bolstered his rule, to those who tried to use him for their own benefit. Businessmen in Germany thought that they could control, use, Hitler. They found themselves mistaken. Some thought to appease him; they too found themselves mistaken.
Most of us sit about, follow our lives, and do not think of foreign policy that is made in our names.
Perhaps we should.
From MSNBC Nations welcome, condemn Saddam execution
Political, religious leaders weigh in on hanging; Iran and Kuwait celebrate.
The Future of the Iraq War. Remy Benoit
From Newsweek, Howard Fineman, and MSNBC The Coming War on the War.
From The New York Times, David S. Cloud, and Truthout Pentagon to Request Billions More in War Money.
From Joe Galloway and Military.com No! to Bush's Double Down.
From the Portland Press Hearld, Gregory D. Kesich, and Common Dreams Demanding Answers, Defending Privacy.
From Reuters, Carey Gillam, and Truthout US Death Toll in Iraq Seen Spurring Anti-War Protests.
From The Institute for Public Accuracy Questions for Colin Powell.
From The Nation and Robert Dreyfuss The Iraq Study Group: A Fatal Flaw.
About those resolutions. Remy Benoit
From Ode Magazine and Peggy O'Mara, some suggestions on coping with the coming year. Food For Optimists.
2007. Remy Benoit
While the world celebrates the New Year, from the AP and MSNBC World welcomes 2007 with fireworks, music. the toll of U.S. forces reaches U.S. sustains 3,000th fatality in Iraq
Texas soldier’s death raises toll to new milestone; Bush weighs his options. How many Iraqis remains unclear.
It is a New Year, it is time for resolution of this engagement. Only you can take care of our Veterans coming home; only you can find resolution to this conflict by insisting that Congress and the President do that.
That is democracy - that is the voice of the people.
This piece from Robert Fisk, a respected journalist who has spent much time in the Middle East and come to know its ways gives food for thought from The Independent, UK, and Common Dreams. He Takes His Secrets to the Grave. Our Complicity Dies with Him.
Foreign is practiced in your name. To learn more, visit with Just Foreign Policy.
A Blessed, Prosperous, and Peaceful New Year.
Miz' Remy
Reflection Time on Iraq. Remy Benoit
From the AP and Allen G. Breed Time to Reflect as Iraq Toll Hits 3,000.
Sunni Outrage at Execution of Saddam. Remy Benoit
From the AP and MSNBC Sunni anger spills into Iraq streets
Crowds protest hanging of Saddam; separately, U.S. military toll tops 3,000.
Those Not Coming Home. Remy Benoit
From The Washington Post, Ann Scott Tyson and Josh White, and MSNBC With Iraq war come layers of loss
Troops’ lives changed forever; most in U.S. largely unaffected.
From Newsweek, Michael Hastings, Michael Hirsh and Richard Wolffe, and MSNBC 'Surge' Strategy The military mission is shifting. Are more troops really the answer anymore?
From the AP and CNN Iran vows to 'humiliate' U.S..
From The Toronto Star, Olivia Ward, and Common Dreams Storm Rages Over Trial, Sentence.
PTSD and Heart Attack Connection?. Remy Benoit
From the AP and Military.com PTSD may Raise Heart Attack Risk.
Keith Olbermann: Special Comment. Remy Benoit
From Keith Olbermann, Countdown, and MSNBC Olbermann: Special comment about ‘sacrifice’
BBC reports Bush will reveal troop surge plan in sacrifice-themed speech.
8/29 Commission. Remy Benoit
From Levees.org a petition to establish just exactly how the levees failed in New Orleans and how they should be rebuilt. Levees.
General Casey. Remy Benoit
From The New York Times, David E. Sanger, Michael R. Gordon and John F. Burns and Truthout Chaos Overran Iraq Plan in '06, Bush Team Says.
What happened to where the buck stopped?
Fight Back America. Remy Benoit
From the United Steel Workers Fight Back America.
$210 Million Parachute. Remy Benoit
Having trouble getting a job; paying the heating or electric bill? Well, this CEO isn't!
From the AP and MSNBC Home Depot CEO Nardelli quits
Home-improvement retailer's chief executive had been criticized over pay.
So, do we increase the minimum wage? It would be obscene not to!~
The Children of War . Remy Benoit
From The Washington Post, Nancy Trejos, and MSNBC Iraq's woes are adding major risks to childbirth
Violence and curfews are curtailing services.
Down History Lane: Richard Nixon. Remy Benoit
Gerry Ford pardoned Nixon, despite the fact that a majority of the people wanted him tried. Mr. Ford wanted to heal the nation, but did have doubts.
Perhaps, well, more than perhaps, they were justified.
From the AP and CNN Angry Nixon vowed to 'ruin' diplomatic corps.
20-40,000 More?. Remy Benoit
From CNN Officials: Bush mulls Iraq surge, address likely next week.
From Paul Rogat Loeb and Common Dreams Gerald Ford's Failure of Nerve.
War Wounded. Remy Benoit
These are not just "statistics." These are real people whose lives have been forever changed.
From Inter Press Service, Aaron Glantz and Veterans for America
Iraq Veterans Left in Physical and Mental Agony.
Yo've Got Mail - the question is, who else has your mail?. Remy Benoit
From The New York Daily Mail, James Gordeon Meek, and Common Dreams New postal law lets Bush peek through your mail.
What Does a Surge Mean?. Remy Benoit
From Time Magazine, Michael Duffy, and CNN What a Surge Really Means Can a couple more divisions in Iraq make a difference? Or is Bush's idea too little, too late?.
Iraq Policy Makers Shakeup. Remy Benoit
From The Washington Post, Robin Wright and Michael Abramowitz, and MSNBC Bush shaking up his Iraq team But as he changes personnel, deep policy divisions remain.
From The Huffington Post, Jonathan Powers, and Veterans for America Editorial: America's New Years Resolution.
From the Hartford Courant, Mathew Kaufman, and Lisa Chedekel, and Veterans for America More Resources Needed, Panel Is Told.
From Other Jones, April Rabkin, and the IAVA IAVA Member Vet Rick Scavetta Interviewed.
From Tom Dispatch, Robert Dreyfuss, and Common Dreams The Surge to Nowhere.
From The New York Times, Bob Hebert, and Common Dreams Another Thousand Lives.
From Kathy Kelley and Truthout Wrapped Around a Bullet.
Bill Moyers: For America's Sake. Remy Benoit
Mr. Moyers feels America needs a different story. Read on to find out why and what.
From The Nation, Bill Moyers, and Truthout For America's Sake.
Pelosi/Reid to Bush: No Troop Surge. Remy Benoit
From CNN Democrats to Bush: No more troops to Iraq.
Iraq Goes On. Remy Benoit
From The AP and MSNBC Al-Maliki: ‘Baghdad security plan is now ready’
Prime minister slams critics of Saddam’s hanging; new violence hits capital.
From the AP and CNN Army asks dead to sign up for another hitch.
From The AP and MSNBC Bush’s plan to send more troops to Iraq blasted
President expected to unveil strategy next week; top generals replaced.
From Joe Galloway and Military.com Another Flight From Reality.
And this view from The Age, in Australia, far less than complimentary. From Bob Ellis, The Age, and Common Dreams Rattled America Will Find It Can't Spin Itself Out of This One.
Turn the Tide?. Remy Benoit
From The Washington Post, Rick Atkinson, and MSNBC Can Lt. Gen. Petraeus turn the tide in Iraq?
General known to believe that peace is still possible.
From Defense Tech Our New Man in Iraq (Updated Again).
From The Washington Post, Michael Abramowitz, Robin Wright and Ann Scott Tyson, and MSNBC Bush puts final touches on new Iraq policy
Critics says ‘surge’ of troops is more of the same.
No blank check. Remy Benoit
From CNN Pelosi: No blank check for troop surge.
100 Hours. Remy Benoit
From Reuters and CNN House Democrats ready to start '100 hour' clock.
Bush Plan: More Troops, More $$?. Remy Benoit
From CNN Sources: Bush's Iraq plan calls for more troops, money.
From The Independent, Chris Floyd, and Truthout New Oil Law Means Victory in Iraq for Bush.
From The Washington Post, Sudarsan Raghavan, and MSNBC War’s toll on Iraqis tripled in late 2006
Health Ministry data show sharp increase in deaths.
From CNN Pelosi: Dems will not cut off Iraq funding.
From United for Peace March on Washington January 27, 2007.
From Robert Parry, Consortium News, and Truthout Bush's Rush to Armageddon.
Drugs from Afghanistan?. Remy Benoit
From Marisa Taylor and the McClatchy Newspapers More heroin from Afghanistan pouring into U.S. cities.
Down History Lane: A Different Perspective. Remy Benoit
Samuel Johnson, Idler No. 22.
Saturday, September 9th, 1758.
Something to consider well.
Minor paragraphing changes have been made for computer reading comfort.
another "two or three years". Remy Benoit
A CNN poll. this morning shows that 81% think that more troops will not solve the problem.
And yet, from The New York Times, John F. Burns, and Truthout War Could Last Years, Commander Says.
The major question remains as to how to support the troops in place, without funding an escalation (remember that word)? From CNN, Ted Barrett, Washington Bureau Chief Democrats considering ways to block escalation of war.
Another question not be asked too loudly is how repairs, maintenance to equipment can be kept up with as it is in constant use, as in the current
moves into Baghdad. From the AP and MSNBC Iraqi forces battle gunmen in central Baghdad
U.S. military serves as backup after militants attack army checkpoints.
A few weeks ago when I was in the Post Office, there were some there mailing big boxes to the soldiers - supplies, razors, shampoo, etc. Keep it up! Any Soldier.
War is personal, very personal. Remy Benoit
From The Washington Post, Tamara Jones, and Veterans for America
The Bravest Front of All.
From The Washington Post, Sudarsan Raghavan, and Veterans for America War's Toll on Iraqis Put at 22,950 in '06.
From the IAVA Fox: IAVA Executive Director Discusses Troop Levels.
From the VVAW VVAW Supports All the Troops.
From Veterans for Peace Camp Resistance Sets up Outside Fort Lewis.
From the VFW VFW Supports Veteran's Supreme Court Case.
From Pamela Gentle and Military Families Against the War, UK We have to keep up the fight to get our troops home.
From Reuters, Canada "Many dead" in U.S. strike at al Qaeda in Somalia.
From Reuters, Claudia Parsons Iraq backs Bush troop plan. That is understandable, but the people of the U.S., by a vast majority, do not!
From ABC News, Jake Tapper What Would Democratic Sen. Tyler Durden Do?.
From Reuters and AlertNet IRAQ: Insecurity and poverty put pregnant women in danger.
From Disabled American Veterans Make a Donation. The VA is underfunded by billions. Help the DAV help Veterans. And then call Congress and ask why the VA is underfunded and what they are going to do about it. Contacting the Congress.
If you do not want a troop surge, contact President Bush directly. From General Clark and WesPac Stop the "surge!" Instead, change the strategy!.
From the AP and MSNBC Soldier had homicidal ideas prior to slaughter
AP: Army private was diagnosed as threat before Mahmoudiya killing.
Military Families on Front Lines. Remy Benoit
From Stacy Bannerman and Truthout Military Families on Front Lines of War Protest, Pain.
From The Boston Globe, Scot Lehigh, and Truthout Stopping the Surge.
If that is where you are, there are 160,000 people who have already expressed the same opinion. Move On: Petition: No Escalation in Iraq.
Constitutional Debate?. Remy Benoit
Directions?. Remy Benoit
The President will speak tonight. Teddy Kennedy has already, as many have, said no to what will be proposed. These are the people that WE the People, the Congress, the President and his staff are answerable to. Consider, ask for facts, demands facts, not fear, and answer to these people.
From CNN Forces: U.S. & Coalition Casualties.
From Newsweek, Michael Hirsh and Mark Hosenball, and MSNBC Gates Cleans House New Pentagon chief is expected to oust the U.S. general involved in the Somalia strikes.
The President speaks tonight, apparently still planning on more troops despite the voice of the nation, of the Congress. Official: Bush plans 20,000 more troops for Iraq.Surge, escalation, which word fits better? Many of us know the latter word. What number is the magic bullet to make it better? Perhaps we know from experience the answer to that.
From the Seattle Post-Intelligencer and Charles Pope Showdown on Bush's Iraq plan State's congressional Democrats skeptical about sending in more troops.
From the AP, Jennifer Loven, and the Houston Chronicle Bush to acknowledge mistakes in Iraq, send more troops.
From Tom Andrews and Common Dreams It’s Time for an American Surge To Stop the Bush War in Iraq.
If Senator Biden thinks, as Mr. Andrews notes, that there is nothing we can do about a policy that isn't working, then perhaps the Voice of the American people needs to be. This is a Senator who has tossed his hat into the ring. This is the time to show the country that underneath this toss is man who has the 'right stuff' to be considered. We are talking about American lives here - not just political tosses but American lives, Iraqi lives and heaven only knows how many others.
We are a CAN DO nation. No room for can'ts.
From Jane Bright and Common Dreams Letter From the Heart.
From the AP and Military.com Dems Vow to Resist Iraq Troop Hike.
From The Nation and John Nichols The Senator Who Will Not Surge.
From The Wall Street Journal, David Rogers, and Truthout Murtha Takes Aim at Abu Ghraib.
From The Nation and Katrina Vanden Heuvel
Surge Homeward.
From The Nation and David Enders Iraqi Civilians Brace for a Surge.
From The Washington Post, Michael Abramowitz, Robin Wright and Thomas E. Ricks, and MSNBC On Iraq, Bush to pull away from generals
They initially advised against troop ‘surge’ to combat insurgency.
From John Cory and Truthout Three Thousand Plus One.
From Oliver North and Military.com More Targets.
Your comments are welcome.
Who is taking what stand?. Remy Benoit
From Think Progress Stop the Escalation.
Boomer Nation. Remy Benoit
We are 75,000,000 strong. If we use our voice we have power.
From MSNBC Boomer Nation.
If we want a national health care program, we are 75,000,000 strong.
If we want to bolster Social Security, we are 75,000,000 strong.
If we want a realistic path in Iraq, etc., we are 75,000,000 strong.
If we want to care for our Veterans, we are 75,000,000 strong.
We are a can do nation - let's do it!
You can reach the White House with your comments at 1-202-456-1111. The phones are very busy today, you may have to wait a moment or two, but be patient.
Politicizing the War. Remy Benoit
From David Corn and Tom Paine Using The War To Win.
War is ugly, maiming, destructive, soul wrenching.
From Fox News and Kelley Beaucar VlahosSoldiers' Lives Saved But Injuries Persist Long After Battle.
The VA is seriously underfunded.
Americans for Shared Sacrifice.
How can we justify making Veterans and then not caring for them?
Your comments are welcome.
Soldiers Doubt Effectiveness of Surge. Remy Benoit
From the McClatchy Newspapers, Nancy A. Youssef, and Truthout Soldiers Doubt an Influx of American Troops Will Benefit Iraqi Army.
20,000 More. Remy Benoit
From MSNBC Text of President Bush's Speech.
Congressman Ike Skelton, the Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee SKELTON OPPOSES TROOP ESCALATION Iraqis Must Take Responsibility, Says Skelton.
From Fox News Statement from Congressman Patrick Kennedy.
From CNN Democrats: This is not what Americans voted for.
From the AP and CNN Troops who led 2003 invasion deploy for third tour.
From the Sydney Morning Herald Bush's final bid to win in Iraq.
From The Independent, UK and Robert Fisk Robert Fisk: Bush's new strategy.
From The Nation and John Nichols Surging Into A Quagmire.
From OneWorld and Truthout, Haider Rizvi Bush to Face Street Protests over Iraq Escalation Plan.
From ABC News, Erin Hayes at Fort Bragg Soldiers, Military Families Bid Farewell as Troop Surge Begins.
From AFGE Lack of Care for Our Veterans. WHAT IS WRONG WITH THIS PICTURE?
It is up to you to correct it.
The View From Iraqis. Remy Benoit
From the AP and Fox News Many Iraqis Offer Skeptical View of New U.S. Troop Increase.
Get Congress on Record. Remy Benoit
From The Huffington Post, Mark Weisbrot and Robert Naiman "The Four Questions": Get Members of Congress and Presidential Candidates on the Record. The "Surge." The Timetable. The Funding. Talks with Iran. This is not a time for CYA politics...take a stand, or go home and let someone else fill your seat who will. This is not a time for 'open ended' whatever - take a stand and stand by it. Where is Mr. Smith when we need him? Right is right. Why are we so afraid to take a stand and stand by it? Is honor less important than position? What is the position worth without honor?
From The Huffington Post and Eason Gordon
Blog Index RSS 01.11.2007 Dissecting Bush's Iraq Speech: A Graph by Graph Critique.
From Truthout and Jason Leopold The Architect of Mr. Bush's Plan.
Here we go again..... Remy Benoit
From Robert Dreyfuss and Tom Paine Bush Channels Nixon.
From the AP and MSNBC Poll: 70 percent oppose more troops in Iraq
Only 35 percent of respondents believe going to war was the right call.
If this is being questioned, what about the comments from the President about Iran and Syria?
From the New York Times, an Editorial The Real Disaster.
From Norman Solomon and Truthout The Headless Horseman of the Apocalypse.
From Agence France Presse and Common Dreams Bush Plan for Iraq Fails to Sway World Doubters.
From David Corn and The Nation Bush's Reality-Based Desperation.
From Fox News, here is your chance to speak out today - 132,000 + 21,000 = Success?.
Kurds/U.S./Iranian Consulate. Remy Benoit
From NPR,Ivan Watson and Renée Montagne, please do listen to this:
U.S. Raids Iranian Consulate in Iraq.
From NPR A Military Wife on Bush Plan for Troop Increase.
Keith Olbermann. Remy Benoit
From MSNBC Countdown Bush's legacy: The president who cried wolf
Olbermann: Bush's strategy fails because it depends on his credibility.
Troops Question 'The Plan". Remy Benoit
From The Washington Post, Sudarsan Raghavan, and MSNBC Troops in Baghdad frustrated with lack of progress in passing the baton.
Ron Kovic: Surging Past the Tipping Point. Remy Benoit
From Ron Kovic, author of Born on the Fourth of July. and Around the World in Eight Days. and Truthdig Surging Past the Tipping Point.
For those of you who do not know his story, do visit with The My Hero Project Peacemaker Hero: Ron Kovic by Nathaniel Moss.
Ron is a man of immense warmth and courage; a man who has been there, knows the human costs of war. He is a man of great compassion, insight, and devotion to "our beautiful country." You would do well to consider his call to action.
Pass on Katrina. Remy Benoit
From Newsweek, Michael Isikoff and Mark Hosenball, and MSBNC Bush’s Best Democratic Buddy Joe Lieberman gives the president a pass on Katrina.
Teaching About Veterans Day. Remy Benoit
Not if Jersey has its way...From the AP and CNN Veterans fight to save school remembrance mandate.
We already teach 'feel good history' instead of the real stuff. Ignoring the price our Veterans have paid for freedom is pathetic.
Support the Veterans on this issue!
Got Kids?. Remy Benoit
Then this is a site you want to go to. Live Secure. You may want to look into the free video being offered. Better safe than oh so sorry. We live in a world where we must watch closely over our children.
We need to work on that too.
From The Nation Magazine. Remy Benoit
Bush Isn't Listening Katrina vanden Heuvel.
Revoke Resoultion?. Remy Benoit
From Matt Renner and Truhout Congressman Acts to Revoke Iraq War Resolution.
Who is in the tent with U.S.?. Remy Benoit
From The Washington Post, Nancy Trejos, and MSNBC Battling with Sadr for Iraqi soldiers’ hearts
U.S. troops fear many in Iraqi army are loyal to renegade Shiite cleric.
From the AP and MSNBC Rice criticizes Boxer’s comment on war’s price
Democrat’s remark about personal sacrifice becomes a political flashpoint.
War is very, very personal when it is you or a family member on the front lines. It has nothing to do with "feminist issues," it has to do with staying alive issues. If you wondering about who is going to cover your back, it only adds to the stress, and danger, while you are there. This is a very serious question that the soldiers and Senator Boxer are both raising. Who pays the price?
In a situation where VA funds are much, much too low to cover costs of caring for Veterans, the question becomes even more relevant.
From The Huffington Post, Brady Van Engelen, and Veterans for America What is Sacrifice?.
From the Los Angeles Times, Linda Bimes, and Veterans for America
Op-Ed: The Battle of Iraq's Wounded.
If you need answers about sacrifice, ask the wounded, ask the families of these soldiers CNN Forces: U.S. & Coalition Casualties.
In related news from Stateline, Kavan Peterson, and Truthout Governors Lose in Power Struggle Over National Guard.
From Reuters AlertNet US denies military plans against Iran, Syria.
From the AP and Fox News Bush Orders 'Force Protection' Raids Against Iranians in Iraq.
With 2/3rds of the country opposed to the 'surge" and more than that opposed to "bringing on" Iran, where lies the truth? It is up to us to demand that answer.
From Newsweek, Eleanor Clift, and Truthout The Washington War Game.
From The New York Times, Mark Mazzetti, and Truthout Pentagon Sees Move in Somalia as Blueprint.
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"Go to the music...". Remy Benoit
That is what a friend tells me when things seem confused, cruel, unrelenting, or just plain fussin' at me!
So, while cleaning up a bit today, I put on some oldies by Pete Seeger, and the question came to mind:
Yes, there are those 'kisses sweeter than wine,' but there is also a proud heritage of a Union Movement, of resistance to monarchy, of revolution, of pulling together through hard times.
Times are hard today for many, but there is not much pulling together.
Times are hard for soldiers and their families, but outside of those on the inside, there is not much pulling together.
Seems he is right - we need to go to the music, our own national music as well as the music of our youth, or dreams, our visions. Might be a good place to pass some time and ask:
Have we forgotten that This land is your land, this land is my land. or do we need to listen to Woodie Guthrie to remember?
Read it, and then sit down and let the old tapes play. Perhaps we need to remember.
All comments, always, welcomed!
We will be sharing more on what we have forgotten about ourselves very soon.
Children of War. Remy Benoit
Charles Aznavour., one of France's great performers and songwriters does a song entitled, Children of War in which he sings of children who have never been young.
Millions of children throughout history have grown up that way. Where does it lead them?
From Newsweek, Christian Caryl, and MSNBC Iraq's Young Blood.
From William Fisher and Truthout Mohamed al-Hatfield vs. Ahmed al-McCoy.
We are the teachers of the children.
We bear that grave responsibility, and I do not use that adjective loosely.
From Der Spiegel, Mark Pitzke, and Truthout "The Most Dangerous Foreign Policy Blunder Since Vietnam".
From the Pittsburg Post Gazette, Tony Norman, and Common Dreams Have You No Decency Mr. President?.
Is the answer to bad planning more blood on all sides?
From MSNBC and Rajiv Chandrasekaran Bush turns to one-time dissenters on Iraq
Officials who derided early policies now asked to help save mission.
From Ari Berman and The Nation Murtha's Plan to Stop Bush.
It is that time of year when the server wants paying. If you can help with even the smallest donation, thanks, and please do the PayPal thing at Donations at left.
Bush Won't Budge. Remy Benoit
From the AP and MSNBCBush says opposition won’t shift his Iraq policy
Cheney blasts Congress’ challenge as a bid to ‘run a war by committee’.
Dr. Martin Luther King. Remy Benoit
Dr. King had a dream, a dream that for many reasons has not yet come to fruition. But a dream is a vision, and a vision must be followed through with by each individual to become reality.
We need to set high goals for dreams.
We need to reach for dreams.
We need to work for dreams.
I find the following article distressing, and it underscores, once again, that history is not being taught as it should be, nor are cultures, art, music, languages, etc. When you 'teach to the test' education falls by the wayside.
From The Washington Post, Valerie Strauss, and MSNBC Despite lessons, some unaware of King's dream
College survey shows some think he was advocating the abolition of slavery.
From Rethinking Schools, a selection of articles on No Child Left Behind The No Child Left Behind Act.
Reading is essential. Literacy is necessary. Without grounding ourselves in literature, in history, in the reasons why we are where we are, we have little to build upon. Join David and Michelle Baldacci at the Wish You Well Foundation. where they advocate and promote literacy. And while you have his name in mind, do read The Camel Club. if you think that the few can and do have impact on those who do not wish us well.
From James Carroll, The Boston Globe, and Truthout An Unrealized Dream of Justice.
Human Costs of War. Remy Benoit
From the AP, Kim Gamel, and Forbes U.N.: 34,000 Iraqis Killed Last Year.
From the AP and Military.com Iran, China Buy U.S. Military Gear.
Appeal for Redress. Remy Benoit
From Stacy Bannerman and Truthout Iraq Vets Call on Congress to End War.
Blood flowing heavily in Iraq. Remy Benoit
From MSNBC Iraq killings increase ahead of crackdown
Multiple blasts, mass shooting kill university students, shoppers at market.
From CDI and Retired Colonel Douglas MacGregor
Surge Toward What? Reinforcing Failure.
Free Retreat in New Orleans. Remy Benoit
Too much Katrina stress getting you down?
Relax. Restore. Transform.
Join us for a FREE retreat to recharge & refresh!
Co-hosted by St. Paul’s Homecoming Center and the Southeast Louisiana Veterans Health Care System. Sponsorship provided by the Pacific Graduate School of Psychology.
Inner Resources for New Orleanians
Would you like to:
- remain calm and centered in the face of stress?
-use the energy of stressful situations to master your challenges?
-practice research-based techniques for reducing stress?
Saturday, January 20, 2006
Onsite Registration: 9:00 – 10:00 am
Retreat: 10:00 am – 2:30 pm, lunch included
Where: St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 6249 Canal Boulevard, New Orleans
Who: All are welcome
Led By: Lynn C. Waelde, Ph.D. and staff of the Inner Resources Center
Dr. Waelde is a: clinical psychologist & meditation teacher noted researcher in the area of yoga and meditation Associate Professor, Pacific Graduate School of Psychology Consulting Assoc. Professor, Stanford Univ. School of Medicine native New Orleanian who knows how to make this fun & easy!
Register: Space is limited!
Reserve your place by telling us your name, phone number, and email: Call 504-483-2212 or
650- 843-3519
Or email
Cost: The retreat and lunch are free! Inner Resources for Stress 8-week manuals with 4 practice CD’s will be available for $25
Lunch will be provided by Trinity Episcopal Church’s Loaves and Fishes program.
Register NOW
"support the prompt withdrawl". Remy Benoit
While the blood keeps flowing in Iraq, active duty members of the military present their views on the situation they face on a daily basis.
From Newsweek, Dan Ephron, and MSNBC 'It's People Dying for No Benefit' A 22-year-old Marine on why he wants Congress to bring the troops home.
From the AP and Military.com US Turns Focus to Iran.
From Just Foreign Policy, here is a lot more information on Iran.
From Marie Cocco and Truthdig and Common Dreams Resolving to End the War.
From the AP, Kim Gamel, and Truthout Four US Soldiers Killed in Iraq.
From the LA Times, Louise Roug and Borzou Daragahi, and Truthout Iraq Edges Closer to Iran, With or Without the US.
From Steve Hammons and Truthout Going in Circles: Vietnam, Iraq, Calls for Impeachment.
"No Confidence". Remy Benoit
From the AP and MSNBC Lawmakers draft anti-Bush Iraq resolution
Democrats, leading Republican, say more troops not in 'national interest'.
From the AP and MSNBC Sen. Clinton calls for troop cap in Iraq
Sidesteps whether she'd vote to block funding for Bush's troop increase. Time to take a stand, Senator Clinton.
BiPartisan Resolution in Opposition to Bush Policy. Remy Benoit
From CNN Bipartisan resolution opposes Bush plan on Iraq.
From the AP, Anne Flaherty, and Truthout Senators Agree on Iraq War Resolution.
From The Daily Kos This bill's for you: "The Bring Our Troops Home and Sovereignty of Iraq Restoration Act of 2007".
Full Text H.R. 508 "The Bring Our Troops Home and Sovereignty of Iraq Restoration Act of 2007."
Where Does Your Senator/Representative Stand on Escalation?. Remy Benoit
From Think Progress Senators and Representatives on Troop Escalation.
New Orleans Update. Remy Benoit
Well, here we are 16 months after Katrina in a major American port city with over 100,000 families still living in FEMA trailers. There are thousands more all along the Gulf Coast. We hear a great deal about Homeland Security, but a major city of our country still needs enormous amounts of work done.
And we have to ask:
Why the delays?
Why contracts with money going out of the state
when the state and its people are in such dire circumstances?
Why are people in Florida still living in trailers from their hurricanes?
From Nola and Bruce Nolan FEMA may delay trailer, rent cutoff State has requested 12 more months.
From USA Today, Peter Eisler, and Truthout New Orleans Feels Pain of Mental Health Crisis.
Alice in Wonderland?. Remy Benoit
From the AP and MSNBC Gonzales quizzed on domestic spying
Negroponte cites separation of powers in not giving info to Congress.
Bill Moyers. Remy Benoit
From Bill Moyers at the Media Reform Conference and Common Dreams Life on the Plantation.
And from the New York Times and Bob Hebert The Lost Voice of Protest.
Senator Patrick Leahy: Statement. Remy Benoit
Anti-War Resolutions and more. Remy Benoit
From CNN GOP senator drafting alternative war resolution.
From Bruce Fleming and Military.com Yell Louder When You're Wrong.
From Reuters and MSNBC Bush on Iraq plan: 'I believe it will work'
President asks opponents to 'present a plan you think will work'.
If you look openly at the next few articles, you might consider how much progress we could make, how much communication we could facilitate if we actually talked with each other, openly, without obfuscation.
From the AP and CNN Ministers launch petition to stop Bush library.
From The Nation and George McGovern and Common Dreams An Impartial Interrogation of George W. Bush.
From Win Without War and Common Dreams National Coalition Leader Calls for Binding Congressional Action on Iraq
March on Capitol, Congressional Lobby Day and In-District Actions to Demand Binding Action
Current Non-Binding Resolution Could Leave Members of Congress Off the Hook.
From the BBC News Washington 'snubbed Iran offer'.
From the BBC News Turkish-Armenian writer shot dead.
From Jimmy Carter, The Washington Post, and Truthout A New Chance for Peace?.
From The New York Times, John Holusha, and Truthout Retired Generals Criticize Bush's Plan for Iraq.
There is no stigma in asking for help: please do that. Remy Benoit
From the AP and MSNBC Soldiers may not get needed mental help
Returning vets aren't screened unless they say they need aid, officer says.
You have served your country; please let your country help you.
Rockefeller Quesitons Bush Intentions on Iran. Remy Benoit
From The New York Times, Mark Mazzetti, and Truthout Leading Senator Assails President Over Iran Stance.
GO SAINTS !. Remy Benoit
Fans of the Saints are heading to Chicago on The City of New Orleans.
From The Times Picayune, Brendan McCarthy, and Nola All Aboard.
GO SAINTS!
If you can help maintain this site with your donations, please just click at the left. Thanks so much, Miz' Remy.
20 KIA Today. Remy Benoit
From the AP and MSNBC Third-deadliest day of war for U.S. troops
13 die in helicopter crash; 5 killed in militia attack; roadside bombs claim 2.
Playing Politics With Katrina Disaster?. Remy Benoit
From the AP and CNN Brown: Party politics played role in Katrina response.
Congress and the Executive. Remy Benoit
From Jorge Hirsch and Common Dreams How Congress Can Stop the Iran Attack - Or be Complicit in Nuclear War Crimes.
From the AP and MSNBC Iran president defiant on sanction resolutions
Ahmadinejad says move won't change Tehran's nuclear policies.
From the LA Times, Dariush Zahedi and Omid Memarian The clock may be ticking on Iran's fiery president
Pressure from the U.S. and economic isolation may be eroding Ahmadinejad's authority in his own country.
From Newsweek, Brian Braiker, and MSNBC Dirge for a ‘Surge’.
An Editorial by Robert Weitzel at Common Dreams Cure For Yellow Ribbon Patriotism.
A BRAVO to CNN for remembering our Veterans. NN Hummer brings $1.25 million for charity.
From Reuters, Richard Cowan, and Truthout Pentagon Sees US War Cost in Iraq Rising.
If you can assist with the maintenance of this site, please do click on Donations. Thanks!
Iraq. Remy Benoit
From CNN 25 U.S. troops die on one of deadliest days in Iraq.
From The McClatchy Newspapers, The San Jose Mercury News, Leila Fadel and Hussam Ali Details emerge of gunmen, posing as soldiers, attacking U.S. troops in Iraq.
Iraq. Remy Benoit
From CNN Car bombings kill 60 in Baghdad.
From The Washington Post, Anthony Shadid, and MSNBC War’s Arab supporters bitter over its results
Resentment speaks volumes about U.S. standing in the Middle East.
From SPC Doc Shurley and Military.com One Medic's View.
From Joe Galloway and Military.com Postponed Sacrifices.
From The Cleveland Plain Dealer, Elizabeth Sullivan, and Common Dreams War Hits Home in Pockets of Pain.
Sometimes there are things we need to consider; things that works of fiction can bring to us. Try this one from best selling author David Baldacci The Camel Club.
Born Fighting PAC. Remy Benoit
Tomorrow night, January 23rd, Senator James Webb will give the Democratic response to President Bush's State of the Union Speech. Webb is Virginia's new Senator, a distinguished Veteran, and well known author.
Join him at Born Fighting PAC.
I highly recommend his novels.
There are more - just keep looking.
Warner Resolution. Remy Benoit
Senator John Warner (R) former Republican Chairmand of Senate Armed Services Committee and CNN Warner Leads Effort on Second Resolution Criticizing Bush's Iraq Plan.
Also from CNN Market bombs kill 100 in 2 Iraqi cities.
No confidence in Bush?. Remy Benoit
From NBC, Mark Murray, and MSNBC Nearly two-thirds in U.S. have given up on Iraq
NBC/WSJ poll: Bush ‘really in the cellar of public opinion’.
From Newsweek, Fareed Zakaria, and MSNBC The Limits of Democracy The elections in Iraq had wondrous aspects, but they also divided the country into three communities and hardened the splits.
From CNN Bush faces angry, dissatisfied electorate in speech.
From Reuters, David Morgan, and Truthout Top Senate Democrat Concerned About Bush and Iran.
From the AP and Military.com Petraeus Goes Before Senate Panel.
From Ray McGovern and Tom Paine Show Me the Intelligence.
Strife in Lebanon. Remy Benoit
James Carroll: An Editorial. Remy Benoit
From The Boston Globe, James Carroll, and Common Dreams Sigh for America.
Afghanistan. Remy Benoit
From Newsweek, Jeffrey Bartholet, and MSNBC The Taliban’s ‘Bloody Spring’ Afghanistan’s ambassador to the U.S. expects fresh American funds to help fight a resurgent enemy.
For a Just Foreign Policy. Remy Benoit
From Patrick McElwee, a national organizer with Just Foreign Policy. and former legislative assistant at the US Conference of Catholic Bishops, and Common Dreams. Moves Toward War with Iran: We Must Stop This.
From the AP and Truthout US Warns Iran to Back Down.
State of the Union. Remy Benoit
For differing perspectives on the State of the Union:
From MSNBC Full text of 2007 State of the Union speech
As delivered by President George W. Bush, Jan. 23, 2007.
Our thanks to Senator Webb for reminding the President of the promises to be there for New Orleans and the entire Gulf Coast. If you have ideas on how to protect us, rebuild us, do go to the discussion at Louisiana Speaks.
If you want to understand how precious Louisiana is to us, look for this volume coming in the Spring from Pelican Press. Louisiana in Words.
More Doubtful GOP. Remy Benoit
From the AP and MSNBC More GOP expressing doubt about Iraq strategy
Senate committee vote today on resolution opposing Bush's troop decision.
Conflict over Iraq. Remy Benoit
From CNN Cheney: Talk of blunders in Iraq is 'hogwash'.
From the AP and CNN
Democrats try to win GOP support for Iraq resolution .
From the AP, Qassim Abdul-Zahra, and The Houston Chronicle Iraq PM outlines coming security sweep.
From Alexandra Zavis and The LA Times U.S.-Iraqi forces strike 'Sniper Alley'
The operation targets a Sunni insurgent enclave in a residential and commercial area near Baghdad's Green Zone.
From The Baltimore Sun, Cynthia Tucker, and Truthout Speaking Out Now Against the Iraq Disaster Is Too Little, Too Late.
New Orleans and President Bush. Remy Benoit
From the AP, Jennifer Loven, and Truthout New Orleans Not Part of Bush's Speech.
Even if the President has nothing to say about Louisiana and her reconstruction, you can say what you think will work.
Interested in Helping to Make a Better World?. Remy Benoit
Try World Changing.
and then join me at The Niquahanam Project: Help to Change the World.
Warnings and Anguish. Remy Benoit
Foreign policy must be based on active diplomacy and a cooperation between Congress and the President. In the case of the UN, the United States is a member of an international organization, and, as such, should be advised by its overall take on any given situation.
From the AP and MSNBC ElBaradei warns on Iran nuclear facilities attack
‘Preventive strike would be catastrophic,’ IAEA chief says.
From MSNBC and Alex Johnson Anguished’ senators try to find way on Iraq
Lawmakers try to balance opposition to Bush ‘surge’ with support for troops.
Democracy Means Taking a Stand. Remy Benoit
The President gave his State of the Union Address the other night. Senator Webb of Virginia responded.
Now it is time for Americans to respond to a wide variety of issues as things all around escalate. That word, escalate, for those of us of a certain age, is a very uncomfortable word.
Remember, what is done by the government officials in a democracy, is done in your name, by your consent, or abdication of responsibility to assent or dissent.
From The Washington Post, Dafna Linzer, and MSNBC U.S. troops authorized to kill Iranians in Iraq
Policy on operatives stirs concern among some U.S. officials.
From the AP and MSNBC Bush wants to increase aid to Afghanistan
President seeks additional $10.6 billion for security forces, reconstruction.
From Newsweek, Michael Hirsh, and MSNBC Washington: A Dysfunctional Democracy
U.S. policymakers are asking if Maliki can deliver. The world is wondering the same thing about us.
From the McClatchey Newspapers, Jonathan S. Landay and Truthout Rockefeller: Cheney Applied "Constant" Pressure to Stall Investigation on Flawed Iraq Intelligence.
From Tom Paine and Tom Engleheart The Forgotten American Dead.
If we don't know who we are; if we don't take a stand for who we are, how can we possibly expect others abroad to know who we are? Robert Scheer of Truthdig presents us with an uncomfortable assessment of who we are and what we are doing. The World Agrees: Stop Him.
From The Politico, Josephine Hearn and Mike Allen, and Truthout Pelosi Hits Bush for Failing to Consult on Iraq Plan.
Your chance to take a position, to take a stand with Congress.
From The Nation, Scott Ritter, and Common Dreams Stop the Iran War Before It Starts.
From The New York Times, Jeff Zeleny and Carl Hulse, and Truthout Groups Head to Capital to Step Up Anti-War Drive.
From Tom Paine, an Editorial We Gave War a Chance.
"When does the greed stop?". Remy Benoit
From BobGeiger.blogspot.com and Truthout Kennedy to Republicans: "What Is it About Working Men and Women That You Find so Offensive?".
Anti-War Rally Today. Remy Benoit
From NPR and Melissa Block Anti-War Rally.
Perhaps Ms. Fonda could stay home and give more credibility to others speaking their minds. She still doesn't seem to "get it."
From Medea Benjamin and Common Dreams The Peace Movement to Congress on Eve of Mobilization.
In Iraq the violence continues. From the AP and MSNBC Car bomb kills 13 in Baghdad Shiite district
More than 40 wounded; elsewhere, U.S. airstrikes kill 14 terror suspects.
From the LA Times, Borzu Daragahi, and the Kansas City Star U.S. soldiers were slain after capture An elaborate assault has the military looking into questions surrounding a security breakdown.
From the AP and MSNBC Soldiers killed in Karbala were first abducted
U.S. military earlier said they died repelling a sneak attack.
The war goes on in Afghanistan too. From the AP and MSNBC Suspected Taliban leader killed in NATO strike In Kabul, official who oversaw Buddha statues’ destruction gunned down.
From Vincent Jauvert, Le Nouvel Observateur,
and Truthout Bush: After Iraq, Iran?.
30% Approval Rating. Remy Benoit
That is the State of the ratings for President Bush according to a Newsweek Poll with Brian Braiker at MSNBC A Sorry State.
Protesters were quite vocal in DC today as they marched from the Mall to the Pentagon while C-Span gave live coverage and the main stations carried on for the most part with business as usual. From MSNBC War protesters demand U.S. troop withdrawal
Tens of thousands of demonstrators and handful of celebrities rally in D.C..
Perhaps the media needs to catch up with the people of the country and exercise its function as the 4th Estate.
Mayor "Rocky" Anderson of Salt Lake City was quite eloquent. Perhaps more should be aware of the potential of this mayor who is doing good things for his city. From The Nation and Sasha Abramsky Rocky Anderson, Folk Hero?. Some say Mayor Anderson doesn't have a chance nationally as the pary machine is supposedly not behind him. Well, maybe its time for the people to say who they want to know more about? Mayor Anderson, perhaps you have some ideas for N'Awlins? We surely need them!
And BRAVO! to Susan Sarandon for telling it like it is as to the inadequate care of our Veterans. How does any Administration, how does any Congress, justify making Veterans and not seeing that the money and facilities are in place to care not only for those we already have, which is not being adequately done, but to also care for the new ones that are made each day. You will have to note that in searching the major media outlets for numbers of daily WIA information that it is hard to find. Why? Why not face the reality of what is happening? Why not fund care for the Veterans? We want answers, and action, on that. Only you can demand that. Please, please, do.
War is Personal. Remy Benoit
From Newsweek, Weston Kosova, and MSNBC The True Cost of War.
Look at the pictures of these people; they are not just "troops" they were individuals with families, hopes, dreams, and lives.
It is our responsibility to know what we are waging war about; to try to find better ways to resolve problems, cultural differences.
When you think about the fact that at one point we put up safety gates, used car seats, stayed up all night with their fevers, we have to ask ourselves why we accept so readily sending our once children to war? And then, why do we not demand that there is readily available treatment for them when they come home with physical injuries, trauma, and soul pieces missing?
Something to think about today.
In the last 3 days, 12 more KIA From the Ap and MSNBC Seven US Troops Killed in Iraq. How do we measure "success"?
War Profiteering?. Remy Benoit
From the AP, John Heilprin, and Truthout Army Probes War Contractor Fraud.
From the AP and MSNBC Sen. Biden chides Bush’s ‘failed policy’ in Iraq
Dem presidential hopeful says lack of strategy is ‘emboldening the enemy.
Najaf and More. Remy Benoit
From CNN Najaf battle winding down, officials say.
From Joe Galloway and Military.com Pie-in-the-Sky Dream.
From the AP and Military.com Military to Cut Back on 'Stop Loss'.
Louisiana, Blanco, and Requests for Investigations into Katrina Related Issues. Remy Benoit
From NOLA, the Times Picayune, and Bill Walsh Behind in polls, Blanco blasts Bush Laying blame may backfire, some say.
Anderson Cooper: Healing Heroes. Remy Benoit
Check out CNN and Anderson Cooper tonight at 10 Eastern Healing Heroes.
Iraq and Afghanistan. Remy Benoit
From the AP and CNN Army opens high tech rehab center for injured troops.
A CNN Special Report with Anderson Cooper Coming Home: Families and War.
From the AP and MSNBC Troops, families can dial for mental health help
Anonymous phone-in program for sufferers of post-traumatic stress.
From the AP and MSNBC Over 1,000 Afghan civilians said killed in '06
In all, Human Rights Watch says 4,400 died in conflict-related violence.
War Powers Debates. Remy Benoit
From the AP and MSNBC Congress weighing strength of its war powers.
"Time is short...". Remy Benoit
From the AP and MSNBC Time is short' in Iraq, commander nominee says.
From the AP and MSNBC Chairman: Bush officials misled public on global warming.
A Letter from a Gold Star Mother. Remy Benoit
From Amy Branham and Truthout Honor. Duty. Country.
Senator Feingold, et.al.. Remy Benoit
From NPR and David Welna Feingold Leads Discussion of Congress Ending War.
Continuing Katrina Woes. Remy Benoit
From the AP and MSNBC Consulting company targeted in Katrina blame
Lawmakers, residents want contractor in charge of dispensing billions fired.
Iraq: Millions Gone Wasted. Remy Benoit
From Reuters U.S. aid in Iraq lost to poor oversight - report.
Global What? Spare Parts? Whose Power Anyway?. Remy Benoit
From the LA Times and Richard Simon White House climate documents sought
Waxman demands answers as his House oversight panel hears testimony of administration interference in global warming reports.
From the AP and CNN Pentagon halts sales of F-14 parts.
From the AP and CNN Senators warn of drift toward war with Iran.
From CNN Feingold urges Dem colleagues to cut off funding for Iraq war.
Credibility Gap?. Remy Benoit
From MSNBC, Keith Olbermann's Special Comment on President Bush and the things he says he prevented Bush shoots for ‘Jaws,’ delivers ‘Jaws 2’
President claimed to stop four terror plots, but where is the evidence?.
Interested in a Healing Journey to Vietnam with Edward Tick?. Remy Benoit
Visit with Mentoring the Soul: Viet Nam: A Journey of Healing and Peace.
Botched Training?. Remy Benoit
From the AP, Laurie Kellman, and Truthout US May Have Botched Training of Iraqis.
Questions Continue. Remy Benoit
From the AP and MSNBC General who led Iraq war faces 'painful' scrutiny
Casey testifies for new Pentagon job as anti-surge resolution gains backing.
From the AP and CNN Senate foes of Bush troop buildup join forces.
From CNN Al-Maliki: Iraq won't be battleground for U.S., Iran.
From Le Figaro, Delphine Minoui, and Truthout Iranians Worry About a Possible American Attack.
From The New York Times, James Bramford, and Common Dreams Bush Is Not Above the Law.
From The Baltimore Sun, David Wood, and Tom Paine Little to show for U.S. billions spent on Iraq reconstruction Corruption, violence sap rebuilding, report finds.
Visit with Vote Vets.
Things Heating Up?. Remy Benoit
From the AP and MSNBC Warming ‘very likely’ due to man, report says.
From the AP and MSNBC And the Nobel Peace Prize goes to ... Al Gore?.
To War of Not to War?. Remy Benoit
From Senator Russ Feingold and Tom Paine How To End The War.
From the AP and MSNBC Bush administration seeks $245B for wars
Includes additional funding for 2007, $145B for 2008.
From Bill Quigley and Common Dreams Grandmothers for Peace Get Federal Prison Instead.
This week Molly Ivins passed on. John Nichols honors her memory in the article below. Molly asks that we Stand Up Against the Surge. in this piece from the Creative Syndicate and Common Dreams. From John Nichols, The Nation, and Common DreamsRemembering Molly Ivins.
Paul Rieckhoff: IAVA Legislative Priorities. Remy Benoit
Turmoil in Iraq. Remy Benoit
From the AP and MSNBC Intel study: Iraq challenge 'daunting'
Finds term 'civil war' doesn't capture the complex situation in Iraq.
"Robbing from Peter to pay Paul". Remy Benoit
It is 17 months since Katrina and the Gulf Coast, including New Orleans, the Crescent City Jewel, are hurting. Levees, well designed, in place, are the key to the security of this great port city. Yet the new 'plan' calls for moving $$ from one levee project to another, leaving them as usual, well, let's politely say, 'half done.' Anyone who knows anything about the power of water, knows better. Visit Levees.org.
From NOLA, The Times Picayune, and Sheila Grissett Details of Bush levee budget revealed
East bank dollars siphoned across river.
This is the same kind of thinking that sends soldiers into combat without the proper equipment, letting them buy their own, if they can; it is the same kind of thinking that makes Veterans by the thousands and does not fund their care. It is the same kind of thinking that has wasted billions in Iraq. It is the same kind of thinking that makes an 'entrance plan' but not an exit one.
From CNN Truck bomb kills more than 100 in Baghdad market.
From CNN Top Iraqi Shiite: Sectarian bloodshed aids agitators.
We need a new kind of rational thinking.
Thursday night, tornadoes ate parts of Florida, including The Villages, where some dear friends just moved. Can't get through on the phone, so if anyone has spoken with Al and Lourdes, please get back to me. I am very concerned for them.
From CNN Federal aid sought after Florida's ferocious storms.
The news reports say that FEMA trailers are on their way to the damaged areas. Be aware, that FEMA trailers cannot be occupied until they are hooked up to power and water sources. That will not happen over night. Perhaps it is time to give thought to a national catastrophic insurance fund.
Many people are not aware that many people in Florida are still living under the infamous 'blue roofs' from pre-Katrina hurricanes. Doesn't say much for homeland security now does it?
Anyone given any thought to a new Civilian Conservation Corps; a new Works Projects Administration for disaster areas which just keep piling up on us? Hey, would love to see the historians, like Doug Brinkley The Great Deluge: Hurricane Katrina, New Orleans, and the Mississippi Gulf Coast. continue this story as it unfolds, wrinkles, turns back on itself, and goes nowhere fast. Bobby Jindal wants Kathy Blanco's job. We want the Gulf Coast made right. Anybody out there ready to just do it?
We don't see the wounded and dead come home from Iraq and Afghanistan. We don't see anymore pictures of the Gulf Coast in ruins. We see mass media hyping this actor, this tart, this whatever. Maybe some real news...maybe individual papers and stations not owned by a few big corporations is the answer to the news; the answer to mobilizing this country behind itself when it sees, for true, as they say, those without jobs, without homes; when they see the growing gap between the economic groups, when they see our schools, our children, our Veterans, and our cities totally left behind.
From the AP and MSNBC $3T Bush budget to trim domestic programs
Monday plan to kick off major debate with Democratic-controlled Congress.
Visit Louisiana Speaks. and speak out.
Coming soon, a taste of the wonder of Louisiana from Pelican Press Louisiana in Words. It was great fun writing it; it will be soul touching reading it! Join us.
Greenhouse Gases. Remy Benoit
From the AP, John Heilprin, and Truthout White House Rejects Mandatory CO2 Caps.
"disastrous consequences". Remy Benoit
From Reuters and CNN Former military chiefs urge talks with Iran.
Speaking of 'dire consequences' another area that needs talking and communication involves the planet and global warming. Here are some answers to that problem from the American Solar Energy Society. Tackling Climate Change in the U.S. Potential Carbon Emissions Reductions
from Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy by 2030.
The security of our nation is not just the responsibility of our soldiers; it belongs to all of us.
You can make your voice heard by Contacting Congress. on environmental and war issues.
You can contact the White House.
You can learn more, do more when you learn about important issues at Earth First.; at Better World..
Can you mix the military and environmental concerns? Read on and see what a Marine General has to say. Restoring the Wild by Marilyn Berlin Snell.
If you have ideas you would like to share, please do join me at The Niquahanam Project: Help to Heal the World. and you will find a place for your ideas to 'get out there.'
Where to go?. Remy Benoit
From The Washington Post, Sudarsan Raghavan, and MSNBC War in Iraq propelling a massive migration Wave of nearly 2 million Iraqis creates tension across the Middle East.
From the AP and MSNBC U.S.: Helicopter losses due to ground fire
Four aircraft have crashed in Iraq since Jan. 20; unclear if new threat exists.
From the AP and Military.com Truck Bomb Obliterates Baghdad.
From the AP and Military.com Vietnam Vets to Vote on Surge.
From Kathy Roth-Douquet and Military.com War and The People's Support.
From Christopher Brauchli and Common Dreams 'Are the Children to Receive the Arms Race from Us as a Necessary Inheritance?.
From the UK, Chris Floyd, and Truthout Bush Backers Offer Payoffs to Undercut Global Warming.
From The New York Times, Scott Shane and Ron Nixon, and Truthout In Washington, Contractors Take On Biggest Role Ever.
From the McClatchy Newspapers, Jonathan S. Landay and Warren P. Strobel, and Truthout Justifications for Attacking Iran on Shaky Ground.
Annual Military Order of the Purple Heart Dinner Dance. Remy Benoit
"Warrior Intellectuals". Remy Benoit
From The Washington Post, Thomas E. Ricks, and CNN Petraeus selects team of warrior-intellectuals
Army turning Iraq war over to its dissidents.
I heard Dan Rather say the other day that if anyone could do this job, Petraeus can.
Yet let's take this whole picture, war, foreign affairs, trade, domestic problems, food with growth hormones, catastrophic insurance for natural disasters as well as health care, the infamous Plan D for prescriptions, all of it and consider them all for a moment.
The President's idea is to spread democracy. The key word there is democracy, which is what we still have, if we protect it.
Democracy is not just a word; it is a way of life.
It is active participation by the people, all the people, to find the way through the mazes of life.
I have always taught my children that there is something that we can learn from each and every person on the planet. Everyone knows how to do something, and we should never get so 'convinced' that we know the best way that we are not opening to learning another way, a way that just might be better than the one we are following.
The object of this website is to make the soldiers and Veterans know we as a people care; to provide them with many, many links to get the help they need; to help keep us informed of what is being done for us, to us, and in our names.
It cannot be said that an individual voice cannot be heard. We have the Net, we have phones, cell phones, the USPS, all kinds of devices and means to get our ideas to the power brokers we elect, if we choose to get out and vote, to state offices, to the Congress, to the White House.
Our soldiers are dying, being wounded in Iraq, in Afghanistan, and a lot of other places. The VA is severely underfunded; Iraqis and Afghanis are dying; natural disasters have leveled parts of our country; poverty is rampant here; millions have no health insurance; the educational system is a mess; medical costs strip our elderly of any fall back money; our environment is being abused; the climate is changing, and the list could go on all day long.
We can change all that with our input, with our demands for accountability. To do that we must put forth ideas, write letters, send e-mails, make phone calls. Aren't you tired of voting for the lesser negative choice of candidates? Aren't tired of being told very little of substance; of being bombarded with platitudes and fear?
Aren't you tired of being called unpatriotic if you disagree with the party line?
This is your country, thus your responsibility. Accept that responsibility, put forth your ideas, challenge "authority" on which way is the right way. Make your voice heard. Write back here; upload your ideas at The Niquahanam Project: Help to Heal the World.
Call, or write, or e-mail your elected Representatives, Senators, Executives, State, city, country, or parish officials. You have a wealth of know-how, of knowledge, of concerns, of demands. It should not take years and years to enact a decent minimum wage, to rebuild devastated areas. No war should be entered into without an exit plan. Constitutional prerogatives of the three branches of government must be maintained as well as the Bill of Rights. Speaking out for just one right that is your particular favorite won't work. You must speak out and up for all of them.
Once again, Contacting the Congress.
Once again, Contacting the White House.
Contacting State Officials.
Louisiana Speaks.
This is not the time for 'summer soldiers and sunshine patriots', or civilians. There is no time like that in a democracy, but always the need for 'eternal vigilance.'
Your donations will help pay the server bill for this site. Thanks. Blessings, Miz' Remy
Toni McElroy and Kevin Whelan: Rebuild New Orleans, Rebuild America. Remy Benoit
From Tom Paine Toni McElroy and Kevin Whelan: Rebuild New Orleans, Rebuild America.
Why not a new CCC or a new WPA? How can we expect to rebuild other countries if we can't take care of our own?
We need to ask why we don't take care of our own.
It has been 17 months and we are going nowhere fast. That is just not acceptable and there must be some accountability demanded.
With campaigning already in full swing for '08 isn't there a candidate for the state/federal level with a real, practical plan for rebuilding? There only will be if you demand one.
Taking money from one levee project to put it in another is absurd, and inherently unproductive.
Louisiana Speaks.
Levees.
The promise was made to take care of the Gulf Coast. The Gulf Coast residents, like those in other disaster areas, are waiting for the promise to be fulfilled.
With the bad weather, cattle freezing to death, crops destroyed by frost, etc., we face a tough year ahead on many levels.
Speak up, America, and check the article just below this one for lots of links where you can speak up.
We are a CAN DO nation. Let's do it.
John Edwards: A Health Care Plan. Remy Benoit
Universal Health Care Through Shared Responsibility.
Mr. Edwards thoughts are in this.
What are your thoughts?
Senate Is NOT Listening to the People. Remy Benoit
From the AP and MSNBC GOP blocks Senate debate on troop buildup
Thwarted Democrats pledge to find another way to force Bush’s hand.
If not now, when?
Step It Up 2007. Remy Benoit
From Tara Lohan and AlterNet.org The Most Important Thing You Can Do to Stop Global Warming.
Where is the Money?. Remy Benoit
From Lisa Myers, Christiana Arvetis & the NBC News Investigative Unit and MSNBC Gulf residents wonder, where is all the money?
Only half of the $110 billion appropriated has been spent.
From Sign On San Diego and Kelli Kennedy Recovery from Florida tornadoes pauses for service at site f church destroyed in storms.
Which area is next? Are we prepared to deal with catastrophe?
"A Thankless Task". Remy Benoit
From The Washington Post, Joshua Partlow, and MSNBC U.S. unit walks fine line in Baghdad
Soldiers say trying to gain Iraqis’ cooperation a thankless task.
From the AP, Qassim Abdul-Zahra, and the Seattle Post-Intelligencer Iraqi Gunmen seize Iranian diplomat.
From the Richmond Times-Dispatch and Military.com Congress Short on Military Experience. One of the areas of concern in this article is that Congress members without military experience will not understand the needs of Veterans. Members of Congress are not the only ones who seem to fall into this category or the VA would not be running with billions of dollars of short fall. It is simply immoral to make Veterans and to not take care of them with respect, with proper facilities and treatment.
From the AP and Military.com Bush War Budget Takes From U.S. Poor.
From the World Security Institute and Bipasha Ray Experts Give Poor Grades To Expected Defense Budget Proposal.
From the Financial Times, Stephanie Kirchgaessner , and Truthout Hearings Mark Tougher Oversight of War Contracts.
From Consortium News, Robert Parry, and Truthout Bush Is Hiding the Ball on Iran.
And this view of US from the UK, the Guardian, Gary Younge, and Common Dreams Obsessed by Personalities, They've Forgotten What Democracy is for The US media is gripped by election fever - but discusses the candidates' highs and lows rather than the real social issues.
Perhaps more on social issues and realities rather than what celeb is doing what would be appropriate.
While you are sitting in front of your computer, please take a moment to go to The Hunger Site. and give a cup of food to someone who is hungry. No cost to you, food to them. Do it everyday. Less hunger, less angst, less war.
An Alert From Veterans for America. Remy Benoit
Demand Congressional Action on War Expansion.
From the Star-Tribune, Minneapolis-St. Paul, an Editorial Editorial: Republicans are afraid of Senate Iraq debate
And milquetoast Democrats let them succeed in quashing it.
We have a Constitutional problem here concerning just how far war powers go in Congress, in the Executive. The Balance of Power is essential to our democracy. With the "Iranian Crisis" in tow, resolution of this problem is necessary, now.
From MSNBC and Alex Johnson Exasperated House bypasses Senate on Iraq
Representatives schedule their own vote to oppose Bush’s troop ‘surge’.
From Newsweek, Stefan Theil, and MSNBC 7 Ways to Save the World.
From Reuters and CNN Lawmaker: U.S. sent giant pallets of cash into Iraq.
From The Washington Post, Renae Merle, and MSNBC Problems stall Pentagon’s new fighting vehicle
Costly amphibious craft breaks down often, leaks.
From Newsweek, Babak Dehghanpisheh, and MSNBC ‘Give Us the Proof’
Iran’s ambassador to Baghdad responds to charges that Tehran is fostering sectarian violence and helping insurgents in Iraq..
From Military.com 2007 Military.com Career Fair Schedule.
Unity '08. Remy Benoit
Interested in another way?
A grass roots way?
Check out Unity08.
Iran Warns U.S. Against Attack. Remy Benoit
From the AP and MSNBC Iran’s leader warns U.S. against attack Khamenei says Iran prepared to strike American interests around the world.
Joe Galloway and More. Remy Benoit
From the McClatchy Newspapers and Joe Galloway Billions and billions of dollars just disappear in Iraq.
From CNN Deadly jobs of Iraq contractors examined in Congress.
From the New York Times News Service, Philip Shenon, and the Chicago Tribune Army balks at Halliburton payout.
From CorpWatch, Jason Leopold, and Truthout IRAQ: Top Democrat: Halliburton Violated Multibillion Dollar Iraq Contract.
Vote Vets on Iraq War. Remy Benoit
From the Washington Post and Lyndsey Layton and Jonathan Weisman Veterans Group Speaks Out on War
Congressional Democrats Let VoteVets.org Talk for Them, Bluntly.
"Dubious" intel. Remy Benoit
From The Washington Post, Walter Pincus and R. Jeffrey Smith, and MSNBC Probe: Prewar intel inappropriate but not illegal
Pentagon report says ex-policy chief gave 'dubious' info to White House.
From the AP and CNN Levin: Pentagon Iraq intelligence report 'very damning'.
From the AP, Robert Burns Military Writer, and the Seattle Post-Intelligencer Report says Pentagon manipulated intel.
From SF Gate and Edward Epstein
House debate, vote on Iraq war set for next week
Top Dems crafting resolution protesting Bush's decision to send more U.S. troops.
From the McClatchy Newspapers, Jonathan S. Landay, and the San Jose Mercury News Pentagon office produced `alternative' intelligence on Iraq.
Iran. Remy Benoit
From the AP, George Jahn, and the San Hose Mercury News Iran nuke envoy, IAEA official to meet.
From Newsweek, The World From Washington, Michael Hirsch, and MSNBC And the Winner Is..... Remy Benoit
From the Department of English and Comparative Literature of the San Jose State University, the winner of this year's contest for bad opening lines to an imaginary novel Bulwer-Lytton Fiction Contest 2006 Results.
Enjoy!
Iraq and More. Remy Benoit
From Reuters and MSNBC Petraeus: Baghdad crackdown must succeed
New commander says 'mission doable' but Iraq will be 'doomed' if it fails.
From The Nation and Jon Wiener Terror at the Nixon Library.
From CNN and Kevin Bohn Libby trial provides a rare look inside the grand jury.
From the AP and Military.com Afghanistan Troop Buildup Extended.
From Find Law, Common Dreams and John W. Dean Leading Experts Say Congress Must Stop An Attack on Iran: Is That Constitutionally Possible?
Absolutely - According to Experts on Both Sides of the Aisle.
You can contact Congress with your views at Contacting the Congress.
You can contact the White House Contacting the White House.
From the AP and MSNBC Putin: U.S. pushes nations to pursue nukes
Russian leader blasts 'almost uncontained' use of force in the world.
From The Washington Post, MSNBC, and Dafna Linzer Al-Qaida suspects color debate over Iran
White House offensive could prompt Tehran to free terror suspects.
Words for Thought. Remy Benoit
Editorials from The Nation For the Republic.
From Exploring Constitutional Rights War and Treaty Powers The issue: How have the war and treaty powers in the Constitution been interpreted?
Editorial from The Nation Into 2008.
On the subject of the "American Dream" from The Nation and Jeff Madrick Goodbye, Horatio Alger.
Bravo to Paul Reickhof of the IAVA at the Huffington Post for saying what most of us are thinking, and writing to stations about Anna Nicole Smith Died. So Did Three American Troops.
From the AP, Pete Yost, and Yahoo News Trial exposes White House crisis machine.
From the AP, Lolita C. Baldor, and Yahoo News Official: Lawmakers see Iran explosives.
From the McClatchy Newspapers and David Goldstein USDA may allow China to import chickens to U.S.
Why Don't We Get It? Veterans need help!. Remy Benoit
From the McClatchy Newspapers and Chris Adams VA system ill-equipped to treat mental anguish of war.
It is up to us to demand that adequate funding is given to the VA. Contact your Senators and Representatives. It is just wrong, plain wrong, to make Veterans and then not care for them. They are not 'disposable' weapons of war; they are part of our extended national family. Please, call and do not stop calling until Congress and the President "get it."
From the National Coalition for Homeless Veterans Background & Statistics on Homeless Veterans.
When I got up this morning, here, deep in the Southland, it was 36 degrees. Perhaps you are up North where the temps are in the single digits?
Where are the homeless Veterans in your town sleeping tonight?
It is a national disgrace that Veterans do not get proper and respectful care. Do something about that. Today.
Read this book, look at the work he is doing. Send a copy of the book to your Senator and Representatives. Edward Tick: War and the Soul:Healing Our Nation's Veterans from Post-traumatic Stress Disorder.
Visit with, and then send a friend who needs help to Mentoring the Soul.
Let's GET IT America, they are our own flesh and blood and they need help. Bumper stickers don't help. Your demands for proper care will see that it is funded and given. It is your responsibility. They have fulfilled theirs.
Moving Toward the Dangerous. Remy Benoit
In the election of last November, the American people spoke - we want this war with Iraq to end; to have diplomacy put to work, as it should have been in the first place, to end an internal problem. I watched the Senate play with words, and go nowhere.
This week each member of the House will be given 5 minutes to speak. Perhaps they can get somewhere.
Vote Vets. has taken a position. Have you? Have you made it know to Congress?
In the meantime, while there are disputes over Speaker Pelosi's aircraft; in the meantime, while Congress squabbles over a somewhat decent minimum wage, and Teddy Kennedy asks when the greed will end, corporate golden parachutes are absurd, and the middle class is disappearing.
In the meantime, New Orleans lies in ruins, still.]
In the meantime, from the AP and Truthout Lawmakers Accuse Bush Administration of Homeland Security "On the Cheap".
In the meantime, from Newsweek, Michael Hirsh and Maziar Bahari, and MSNBC Rumors of War. with Iran.
In the meantime, consider this article by Jon Weiner at The Nation Why We Love War.
Pick up a copy of this book and read it Dave Grossman:On Killing: The Psychological Cost of Learning to Kill in War and Society.
While you are considering that, do go out of your way to see Joyeux Noel. a story of the Christmas Eve peace in 1914 in the 'War to end all wars.' Lest we forget the carnage of that war First World War Casualties.
Why do things change for the convenient instead of the correct? From The Washington Post, John Solomon, and MSNBC McCain taps cash he sought to limit Onetime campaign finance reformer calls on big donors.
Meanwhile, from Matthew Herper and Forbes, yet another company finds it way out of the States Top Of The News: Motorola Layoffs.
Meanwhile, are you aware of this Bill in the House endorsed by Physicians for a National Health Care Program? The National Health Insurance Bill (HR 676). It may not be the perfect bill, but it is a bill in the right direction when millions of Americans have no health care.
Democracy can only work if you show up!
From William Rivers Pitt and Truthout The 21st Century Sucks. These are his ideas. What are your ideas on the potential for the 21st Century, and how will you see them implemented?
From the AP and MSNBC Gates: Prisoner scandals hurt U.S. reputation Defense secretary brushes off harsh remarks by Putin at conference.
Consider this piece by Negar Asimi at The Nation Bloggers Against Torture: How the Web Has Changed Egypt's Political Terrain.
PLEASE Sign this Petition to Sec. Nicholson. Remy Benoit
From the IAVA Petition VA Sec. Nicholson to Increase Mental Health Staffing.
Armor Kits. Remy Benoit
During WWII businesses were converted to manufacture what was needed for the war effort. That is not so for this one it seems.
From The Washington Post, Ann Scott Tyson, and MSNBC Many Army Humvees lack armor upgrade
Officials see rising threat from lethal weapons linked to Iran.
From CNN More than 70 killed on day marking Golden Mosque attack.
From the AP and MSNBC Iran rejects allegations it armed Iraq insurgents
U.S. military says orders to send bomb components came from top officials.
From Ward Carroll, Editor of Military.com Inappropriate Not Illegal.
This view from Ewan MacAskill, the Guardian, UK, and Common Dreams Target Iran: US Able to Strike in the Spring espite denials, Pentagon plans for possible attack on nuclear sites are well advanced.
This position from Just Foreign Policy Petition to President Bush RE: Iran.
From The Washington Post, Lyndsey Layton and Jonathan Weisman GOP Expects Defections as House Debates Iraq Resolution.
Joe Galloway: Hagel and Webb. Remy Benoit
From The McClatchy Washington Bureau and Joe Galloway Hagel and Webb: Two profiles in courage.
Down History Lane. Remy Benoit
Down History Lane with Andrew Higgins and his work for the war effort of WWII in New Orleans.
Abandoned & Little-Known Airfields:.
For those of you who would like to know more about Mr. Higgins Jerry E. Strahan: Andrew Jackson Higgins and the Boats That Won World War II.
Bill Moyers: Discovering What Democracy Means. Remy Benoit
From Bill Moyers and Tom Paine Discovering What Democracy Means.
Wes Clark: Is War with Iran Inevitable?. Remy Benoit
From General Wes Clark at Daily Kos Is War With Iran Inevitable?
If you prefer that this potential war does not happen Tell Congress to Prevent Strike on Iraq.
Here are some thoughts on the subject of Iraq from Bob Hebert, The New York Times, and Truthout Until the War Ends.
Union of Concerned Scientists: Restoring Scientific Integrity in Policymaking. Remy Benoit
From the Union of Concerned Scientists Restoring Scientific Integrity in Policymaking.
North Korea, Iraq, Iran, and More. Remy Benoit
From the AP and MSNBC North Korea agrees to nuclear disarmament
Reactor to shut down in 60 days in exchange for tons of fuel and aid.
From ABC News and Chris Brummet Pace Says No Evidence Iran Arming Iraq.
From ABC News and Anne Flaherty Pelosi to Lead Way in Debate Over Iraq.
From the AP and MSNBC For soldiers, doubts surge to the forefront
Concerns weigh on forces' mission to lay foundation for Baghdad security.
From Tom Paine and Ray McGovern Wake Up! The Next War Is Coming.
From The Huffington Post and Melinda Henneberger Bush: "I Made A Name By Being Compassionate".
From Thom Hartmann and Common Dreams Repeal the Military Commissions Act and Restore the Most American Human Right.
Listen Up Congress. Remy Benoit
From The New York Times an Editorial at Truthout Iran and the Nameless Briefers.
From the AP and MSNBC U.S. general: No evidence Iran is arming Iraqis
Pace contradicts claims by other U.S. military, administration officials.
S. 117 - the Lane Evans Veterans Healthcare & Benefits Improvement Act.. Remy Benoit
Please contact your Senators to support this bill to help our Veterans S. 117 - the Lane Evans Veterans Healthcare & Benefits Improvement Act.
Press Conference and More. Remy Benoit
From the AP and MSNBC Bush to hold first news conference of 2007
President likely to be quizzed on Iraq, North Korea and Russia. Mr. Bush also needs to be quizzed on Iran and an exit policy for Iraq.
From CNN Veterans front and center during Iraq debate.
From The New York Times and Lizette Alvarez Army Giving More Waivers in Recruiting.
From The Huffington Post and Melinda Henneberger GOP PR Strategy Blames Dems For "Status Quo" On Iraq.
An Editorial from Susan Lenfestey and Common Dreams What About Iraq Isn't Sobering?.
From the IAVA Troops Need Counseling. Tell Congress.
From the Los Angeles Times and Veterans for America Iran seen as key to untangling Iraq.
How much profit is enough?. Remy Benoit
Katrina has cost us all, even if we didn't have any major damage, or claims. We paid to have our down trees removed; we paid for a generator when there was no power for 3 weeks just so we could have some water in that heat. And then, all around, insurance was canceled; agents had to find policies, and, of course, they all cost more - claim or no claim.
Many, many have total losses of everything precious to them - loss of their entire life's work and building.
If a business is 'high risk' shouldn't risk be accepted? Perhaps there should be more oversight of this from D. C.?
Thousands of awesome people have come to help us rebuild. What does non-existent, of high priced insurance do to help with reconstruction? Nothing.
The welfare of the people of this country leads to the welfare of business. If business doesn't show up for us, well then, what is the result of that?
And that "us" can be anywhere in the United States. The real homeland security is working together for the common good - not for golden parachutes.
Credibility gap?. Remy Benoit
From The Washington Post, Karen De Young, and MSNBC Skepticism over Iraq haunts U.S. Iran policy
Administration tries to deal with credibility gap.
From the AP, David Espo, and Yahoo News GOP opposition to Bush plan forms.
From The Gannett News Service, Katherine Hutt Scott, and the Battle Creek Enquirer Upton supports Iraq resolution.
From Congress.org BUSH IRAQ TROOP PLAN - AN UP OR DOWN VOTE: Do you support or are you in opposition to this resolution?
From Joe Galloway and Military.com Disappearing Billions.
Senator James Webb on Iraq. Remy Benoit
From James Webb at Daily Kos Our responsibilities.
Mounting Debate. Remy Benoit
From the AP and MSNBC Murtha is Democrats’ face in Iraq debate
Representative, a decorated Marine, proposing bill to force troops home.
From MSNBC Bush insists Iran is arming Iraq From the LA Times and Maura Reynolds Bush pushes NATO for more troops in Afghanistan resident warns of increased fighting this spring and urges allies to increase their commitments. From the AP, David Espo, and the LA Daily News Pelosi: President lacks authority to invade Iran without approval.
‘I’m going to do something about it,’ president says.
Katrina. Remy Benoit
From The Nation and Katrina vanden Heuvel No Katrina Hearings? Gotcha, Joe.
Those of you who have different ideas about this may reach Senator Lieberman through his website Lieberman Contact.
From the AP and MSNBC 122 levees across the nation at risk of failing
Homeowners near listed levees could be forced to purchase flood insurance.
From the AP, Cain Burdeau and Group Wants 9-11-Style Panel on Levees.
Once Upon a Time in the United States..... Remy Benoit
we had a lot of native industry and manufacturing.
In fact, it was the abundance of this industry and manufacturing that turned the tide to the Allies in WWII.
Now, are we up the proverbial creek in this critical aspect of homeland security? Sometimes, what appears to be "cheap" can cause huge expense.
Ask your kids if they know what tool and die makers do.
Visit with the history and very different future of Bethlehem Steel: Save Our Steel.
And then go to Garden Bay Films Almost Gone. and click on the trailer to watch the heart of the United States break in one more place.
"This land is your land." Take some time and visit with Urban Exploration Resource UER.
Resolution Passed. Remy Benoit
From AP and MSNBC Iraq resolution passes House Senate to consider similar measure Saturday.
From Speaker Pelosi The Gavel.
Roll Call on Resolution.
The Debate Goes On While the Death Goes On. Remy Benoit
From the AP and MSNBC Car bomb blast kills nine as Rice visits Iraq
Secretary of state stops in capital amid renewed effort to stop bloodletting.
From The Washington Post, Peter Baker, and MSNBC With Iraq vote, Democrats signal wider battle
Opposition on ‘surge’ the first of fights that will last the rest of Bush's term.
From the AP and CNN Auditors: Billions of U.S. tax dollars wasted in Iraq.
From Tom Paine and Robert Dreyfuss Breakdown At The Iraq Lie Factory.
From the AP and Truthout Murtha Is Democrats' Face in Iraq Debate.
Each soldier is a person, with loved ones, with children, with problems, dreams, injuries, and the always constant reality that she/he will not make it home. Their stories are the forgotten ones. From The Washington Post, Donna St. George, and Truthout The Forgotten Families.
Why Are We Allowing This?. Remy Benoit
The House passed the Resolution; it is gridlocked in the Senate - the words, the debates go on and on and more soldiers are killed, more soldiers are wounded, physically, mentally, and spiritually.
I have heard accusations from leading House and Senate members that the "Democrats" do not want the soldiers/Veterans to have what they need, supply and post-service care. The fact is that there have been shortages in both since the beginning of this war. The lack of proper/respectful care for our Veterans is nothing new - rather it is the constant reality.
It is cold outside, just a degree above freezing here, deep in the Southland. At this moment, there are about 250,000 Homeless Veterans out there on our streets.
The question is - When will you demand proper supplying, proper care of those who serve? BILLIONS of dollars are "lost" in Iraq, lost in corporate overcharging and greed. What might those billions have done for those who serve? When will you say enough, and make the calls, write the letters to fix this?
When will you say, "We're not going to accept this anymore."
From The Washington Post, Dana Priest and Anne Hull, and MSNBC Forced to battle the system at Walter Reed
Wounded soldiers face neglect, frustration at Army’s top medical facility.
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